Factors Affecting the IVF Success Rate

 Factors Affecting The IVF Success Rate

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex process involving lots of techniques, which are highly reliant on timing and accuracy. Throughout IVF procedures, there is a multitude of factors that affect the chances of a successful round of IVF treatment.

1. Before Pregnancy – If you had a successful pregnancy in the past, it means you have a better possibility of a successful pregnancy with IVF. Multiple miscarriages or other fertility problems with a new partner can make IVF more complicated. However, you should not write it off altogether.
2. Age – The women between 24 to 34 have the highest chances of success with IVF (32.2%) because this is the age scale when women are most fertile. By the time a woman reaches age 40, success rates dip to around 13.6%. Women in every stage of reproductive life have been able to successfully use IVF. Although success rates decline with age, you should still explore IVF options, as the success of the treatment is highly dependent on your unique body and medical history.
3. Type of Fertility Issue – Certain fertility issues make a success with IVF less likely, including fibroid tumors, uterine abnormalities, dual infertility, ovarian dysfunction and the amount of time the couple has had difficulty conceiving (in other words, the longer you wait to seek treatment, the less likely it will be successful). IVF, however, can very successfully overcome lots of fertility problems.
4. Egg and Embryo Quality – The quality of eggs and embryos depends on some of the other items in this list, such as age, ovarian reserve, stimulation protocol, and sperm quality. The higher quality eggs and embryos, the better likelihood IVF treatment will be successful.
5. Sperm Quality – About 90% of chromosomal embryo issues occur due to egg quality. However, male fertility factors still affect embryos. If the male partner has fertility problems, new technology is helping to mitigate the adverse effects to make successful pregnancy more likely.
6. Donor Eggs – For patients whose quality of eggs might be compromised due to age or other factors, using donor eggs can increase the chances of success.
7. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COH) Protocol – These protocols detail the types of fertility medication administered and the schedule on which they are delivered. These protocols call for both accuracies in timing and doses, as well as individualization depending on ovulation. Currently, several COH protocols exist for IVF, and your doctor will work with you to determine which protocols will be most favorable for you.
8. Embryo Transfer – Some believe the embryo transfer process is the most critical step in the entire process of IVF treatments. The health of embryos and successful implant in the uterus depends on an immaculate transfer. Any snag with timing or biological factors can be detrimental to the process.
9. Uterine Receptivity – This is as important as embryo quality. Like planting a seed, if either the quality of the seed or soil is compromised, then the likelihood of cultivating a healthy plant is reduced. Factors affecting receptivity include the thickness of uterine lining, immunological factors, and the uterine cavity’s contour.
10. Lifestyle Factors – Living a healthy lifestyle will create a flourishing environment for an embryo. At least three months before beginning IVF, stop smoking and drinking alcohol; both habits reduce chances of success. Smokers’ chances of implantation are 50% lower than non-smokers. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important in increasing the success rates of IVF. Obesity has been shown to affect how the body processes hormones and fertility medications, regulates menstrual cycles, and being overweight makes it more difficult to carry a baby to term. The good news is that you can control your lifestyle, and these factors can be actively improved.

If you have experienced difficulties achieving pregnancy and are considering IVF, we encourage you to discuss these factors and the steps you can take to improve your chances of success with IVF treatment with your fertility doctor. At Viera Fertility Center, our fertility specialist, Dr. Diran Chamoun, MD, has decades of experience, helping patients through fertility treatment and IVF. Please schedule a consultation with Viera Fertility Center to begin exploring your options today.