For some, trying to conceive can take months of precise timing and planning before eventually seeking help through assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF can be the right tool for many, but given the high cost and stress that often accompanies the process, you may be wondering if IVF success rates are worth the toll.
That American Pregnancy Association explains that “IVF is the process of fertilization in which eggs are retrieved, a sperm sample is taken, and then the egg and sperm are manually combined in a laboratory dish.” The egg and sperm combination (called an embryo) is then transferred into the person’s uterus or can be frozen for later use.
Before understanding the factors that affect IVF success rates, it’s important to note that IVF is not just a tool for couples who are struggling to conceive through unprotected penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. While infertility issues are a major factor when seeking IVF, Cindy DukeMD, PhD, FACOG, a board-certified fertility specialist in gynecology, tells POPSUGAR that there are several reasons a person or couple might want to consider IVF.
“Those who want on-demand pregnancy, including LGBTQIA+ couples and single women, and individuals who want to screen for hereditary conditions may be turning to IVF,” explains Dr. Duke.
The good news is that while there are factors that can negatively impact IVF success rates, there are steps that can be taken to increase your chances. Here’s what you need to know.
How age affects IVF success rates
“Because pregnancy is a 40-week mission that demands a lot [person’s] body, it’s important to know how age affects a person’s fertility,” shares Dr. Duke. She explains that it’s not just the act of being getting pregnant harder as we get older, though to get getting pregnant (through PIV sex or IVF) at this point is also a numbers game.
According to that American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsPeople with ovaries are born with a fixed number of eggs, and the number of healthy, viable eggs decreases with age, affecting the success rates of pregnancies (including pregnancies resulting from IVF).
IVF Success Rates by Age
dr Duke says people “between the ages of 24 and 34 have the highest likelihood of successful IVF treatment” because that’s the age group “considered to be the most fertile.”
Corresponding Data for 2019 from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), IVF success rates decrease significantly with age – and Dr. Duke agrees. These are the IVF success rates by age for patients using their own eggs for a singleton (child), according to SART.
- Under 35 – the live birth rate per egg retrieval is 51 percent.
- 35 to 37 years old – the live birth rate per egg retrieval is 38.3 percent.
- At the age of 38 to 40 years – the live birth rate per egg retrieval is 25.1 percent.
- 41 to 42 years old – the live birth rate per egg retrieval is 12.7 percent.
- Over 42 – the live birth rate per egg retrieval is 4.1 percent.
Other factors affecting IVF success rates
While maternal age is one of the major factors affecting IVF success rates, it is not the only factor. dr Duke says sperm quality and pregnancy history can also indicate potential issues with IVF success.
“Those who have had a successful pregnancy in the past have a higher chance of a positive pregnancy using IVF,” she explains. “However, individuals with a medical history of multiple miscarriages and fertility issues could make IVF more difficult to make successful.”
dr Duke also points out that the success of IVF also depends on sperm health. “Increasing sperm quality before the start of the IVF cycle is very important,” she says.
SART has developed a tool This can help provide insight into personal factors that can affect the success of IVF. The free tool takes into account age, height and weight, number of previous pregnancies, whether you are using donor eggs or your own, and any known causes of infertility.
How to increase IVF success rate
While it’s impossible to go back in time and attempt IVF during your “most fertile” window of age, there are a few ways you can increase your IVF success rate.
“It’s imperative that you evaluate your current lifestyle and try to change any unhealthy habits you find,” explains Dr. Duke. She suggests you can optimize your diet, exercise and sleep regularly, limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important to IVF success rates. “Infertility can be very stressful for couples, but it should be noted that reducing stress levels can create better conditions for pregnancy,” she shares.
dr Duke emphasizes that while infertility is a medical condition, “learning to manage stress early is a necessary and important step.”