IVF Success Rate

In Vitro fertilization, or the manual fertilization of an ovum with sperm to create an embryo, is a serious and costly choice for couples suffering from infertility. Your own IVF success rate may vary depending on numerous characteristics of the patient, however the greatest factor is usually the age of the patient.

Although the process has several side effects, only one percent of those undergoing the treatment have serious complications. Before IVF is undertaken, much research must be done to determine if this indeed the appropriate procedure for a particular woman or couple.

Here are some FAQ to guide you through the IVF process, and namely how to improve your own IVF success rate, and help you make a sound, productive choice for your reproductive future.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization?

The process of In Vitro fertilization requires several factors, first the successful collection of both egg and sperm. While sperm collection is fairly simple, an egg must be coaxed through ovarian stimulation.

Once both the contributions are gathered, they are manually joined in an environment that is optimal for fertilization, and then inserted into the uterus for insemination. (Next step: fertility.)

How Much Does IVF Cost?

Costs range approximately from $10,000 to $15,000, with the average cost falling around $12,000. If the patient can provide frozen embryos from a previous procedure, the cost may go down significantly, making the procedure much more affordable the second time around.

What is the IVF Treatment Success Rate?

The IVF success rate varies for different reasons, including the viability of the sperm and egg as well as the overall health of the subject. However in most cases, age is the defining factor.

Women who are under 35 experience the highest rates of success, ranging at about 30-35%. Between the ages of 35-37, the procedure becomes much less effective, dropping to about 25%.

Upon reaching 38-40, women are facing only about 15-20% chance of pregnancy, and finally, after the age of 40, the chances drop to under 10%. When researching success rates for a particular clinic or program, potential candidates should note that there is a difference between chemical and clinical pregnancy, chemical being determined by blood or urine sample, while clinical is recognized through the use of an ultrasound machine.

While miscarriages are possible in both cases, they are much less likely to occur after an ultrasound is readable.

How Do I Find IVF Clinics?

When choosing an appropriate program, patients should be concerned most certainly with the qualifications of the physicians and the clinic. It is vital to ensure that the clinic follows the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

The board certification of the physician(s) performing the procedure in infertility and reproductive endocrinology is also an important factor. Results of a valid clinic should be reported to the Center for Disease Control.

Finally, factors of personal importance, such as the involvement of a personal physician or the whether unused embryos are frozen afterward should also be investigated.

How Do I Prepare Myself for IVF?

In Vitro fertilization is a big step to take and therefore requires a good deal of emotional and physical preparation. This is why preparing yourself for IVF is vitally important.

Patients considering the procedure will optimize their chances of success by refraining from harmful substances such as smoking, drinking, or recreational drug use. Furthermore, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle can only help the body handle the process.

Emotional preparedness can mean any number of things, including finding a nurturing, supportive environment, the help of friends, and family, or the guidance of a mentor.

Upon beginning ovarian stimulation, women must prepare themselves for certain side effects, which may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a lack of appetite. In less than 1% of patients these side effects reached severe stages and caused an alarming shortness of breath, sharp pains, and extreme weight gain.

The procedure itself carries the dangers that are inherent in anything involving anesthesia as well as a slight risk of infection. The patient must also be prepared for the financial strains IVF may incur.