When it comes to understanding in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment success rates, it can feel a little overwhelming - especially when you are faced with several percentages and fertility terminology. We strive to make choosing a fertility clinic as uncomplicated and seamless as possible. Below, you'll find a breakdown of what to consider when comparing fertility treatment success rates and what they mean.
IVF success rates represent the percentage of treatments at each clinic that result in a pregnancy or live birth. These figures are often compared to the national average to give a general idea of outcomes.
When looking at how successful IVF is, it’s important to remember that the number of embryos transferred doesn’t always match the number of pregnancies or live births. Not every embryo transfer leads to a successful result.
The IVF success rate by age in the UK varies significantly, with younger patients generally experiencing higher success rates. However, individual chances of success depend on many factors, including your age, specific fertility issues, and whether you have a fresh or frozen embryo transfer.
Therefore, while IVF percentage success rates provide useful information, they don’t guarantee what will happen in your particular case.
While clinic expertise and quality significantly affect IVF rates, various other factors also influence the outcome.
Age is one of the most important factors affecting IVF success rates and overall fertility. As women get older, especially over 35, both the quality and quantity of eggs decline, which lowers the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Lifestyle choices can also impact IVF success rates. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and nutrients supports fertility health and the production of high-quality eggs and sperm. Regular exercise is beneficial too. Conversely, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm egg and sperm development, so limiting these is advised to improve your chances.
In IVF, higher-quality embryos are more likely to implant in the uterus, leading to a higher chance of a successful pregnancy. The quality of an embryo is assessed using an EmbryoScope™, an incubator with built-in cameras, which provides a score and time-lapse of the embryo's growth. Embryos are graded from A to F, with A being the best quality.
Frozen embryo transfers generally have a higher success rate compared to fresh embryo transfers, and this can be due to several factors, including hormonal levels. During a fresh transfer, individuals often experience elevated oestrogen levels due to ovarian stimulation medication, which can negatively affect implantation.
In contrast, frozen transfers allow the body to return to a more natural hormonal balance, potentially improving the chances of successful implantation. However, it is important to note that fresh cycles can also be effective for certain individuals, as success depends on a variety of factors, including age and personal circumstances.
When comparing IVF success rates, it is essential to understand what to look for. Make sure the success rates are verified and reported from a verifiable source such as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
It’s also important to be aware of how the data is presented and focus on the rates of live births per transfer, as not all transferred embryos result in a successful pregnancy.
Additionally, make sure you consider the age and treatment that is being analysed. However, remember that your decision shouldn’t be solely based on the clinic you choose. Factors such as infertility and age can also impact the outcome of your treatment. Don’t worry, this will be discussed in more detail during your consultation.
At TFP Fertility, our medical team works hard to enhance your chances of conception, and our success rates exceed the national average.
In 2023, the percentage of IVF treatments that resulted in a live birth was:
40% for women aged under 35 (national average 32%)
31% for women aged 35 to 37 (national average 26%)
28% for women aged 38 to 39 (national average 19%)
18% for women aged 40 to 42 (national average 13%)
16% for women aged 43 to 44 (national average 11%)
20% for women aged over 40 (national average 19%)
Our local TFP Fertility clinic pages provide success rates for our clinics, which gives you an idea of the percentage of IVF cycles that have resulted in a positive outcome.
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Speak to our patient support team for advice about your options and to book your first consultation with a fertility expert.