In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has grown in awareness and popularity over the last few decades because of its success in helping aspiring parents overcome fertility challenges and start families that they may not have otherwise been able to.
When starting IVF, it’s normal to have questions about your chances of success. And the truth is that it varies from person to person. Your age, health, and more all play a role in your individual success rate.
At TRIO, we believe knowledge empowers you to feel confident about your treatment. IVF isn’t merely about one number. It’s also about finding the right approach for your unique situation. In this article, we take a closer look at what contributes to IVF success and how you can prepare for the best outcome.
Success Rates of IVF: How Many IVF Cycles Before Success?
With IVF, success often comes from multiple attempts—on average, about three cycles. If you’re under 35, research shows that about 50% of cycles.
The number of cycles you need depends on several factors. Some individuals may have a high IVF success rate and therefore become pregnant the first time. Others may need multiple cycles. This means that the answer to the question, “How many cycles of IVF do you need to get pregnant?” can vary.
Factors That Affect IVF Success Rates
Factors that impact IVF success include age, sperm quality, egg quality, health status, and lifestyle choices. These factors further determine your unique IVF protocol. Ultimately, each treatment is tailored to the individual for the highest rate of success.
Age
Age is often considered the most important factor influencing IVF outcomes. In fact, when looking at IVF success rates by age, people under 35 typically have the highest chances of success. Usually, this is estimated to be 40-50% per cycle.
By age 40, these rates tend to drop. At the same time, pregnancy is absolutely possible in later years. This is especially true with the right support and treatment plan.
However, egg and sperm quality usually decrease with age. In turn, this leads to lower pregnancy rates. Age also increases the risk of miscarriage.
Sperm and Egg Quality
At the end of the day, high-quality eggs and sperm create more viable embryos. And these are more likely to become a successful pregnancy.
Egg and sperm quality are determined by a few aspects, such as:
- Age
- Health status
- Health conditions
- Medications
- Lifestyle choices
We take a closer look at some of these aspects below.
Diseases/Disorders that Affect the Reproductive System
Various health conditions can make IVF more challenging. This is often due to their impact on egg quality, sperm function, or the ability of an embryo to implant. These underlying issues don’t necessarily mean IVF won’t work. But they can reduce success rates or require additional treatment or support.
Common conditions that may impact IVF success include:
- Assigned female at birth:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes
- Uterine abnormalities (such as fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue)
- Assigned male at birth:
- low sperm count, poor motility, or morphology )
- Varicoceles
- Both:
- Certain genetic conditions
- Certain genetic conditions
In general, anything that affects egg quality, sperm health, or the uterine environment can influence the outcome of IVF. A thorough fertility assessment helps identify potential barriers early. This allows your fertility team to tailor a treatment plan that gives you the best possible chance of success.
Lifestyle Factors
While medical treatment plays a key role, lifestyle choices also impact your fertility health. These include:
- Smoking
- Body weight (high or low)
- Stress
- Caffeine intake
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Alcohol consumption
In short, lifestyle choices that affect your hormonal balance, metabolic health, or reproductive function can impact IVF outcomes. Yet, by adopting healthy habits, you can create a stronger foundation for success.
TRIO Fertility works hand-in-hand with Conceive Health, a team of highly skilled and experienced fertility-focused Naturopathic Doctors who are available to help patients optimize their health before fertility treatment.
IVF Success Rates Per Cycle
So, what are the IVF success rates per cycle? While this depends on the factors above, let’s take a closer look.
IVF First Cycle Success Rates
Patients under 35 have a 40-50% success rate. This often drops after the age of 35 and more so again at 40. Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that these are only averages, and many factors determine your individual outcome.
IVF Second Cycle Success Rates
Success rates for a second IVF cycle are often similar to the first—and sometimes better. This is often because your fertility team can use insights from the first cycle to adjust medications or protocols to better suit your needs.
Cumulatively, success rates are encouraging. After two IVF cycles, many patients see a combined success rate of 60% or more.
Third IVF Cycle Success Rates
Success in IVF often builds over time. While each individual cycle may not guarantee success, your overall chances increase the more cycles you complete.
There is a difference between the pregnancy rate and live birth rates. Getting pregnant is the first milestone; carrying the pregnancy to delivery is another.
According to an extensive UK study published in Human Reproduction, the conservative cumulative live birth rate after three complete IVF cycles is about 42%. These figures reflect the combined success of fresh and frozen embryo transfers across cycles. This number may appear low, since the success rate is about 60% or more, but this is the cumulative live birth rate.
Age still plays a big role. But the study showed that many patients who didn’t get pregnant in the first or second cycle went on to have a baby after the third cycle. At the end of the day, your fertility team will guide you based on your individual circumstances, age, and overall reproductive health.
Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic
Not all fertility clinics offer the same level of care. Factors like experience, technology, and lab quality can impact your chances of success. Thus, it’s always important to do your research before committing. Asking about egg storage and the success rates of embryo transfer can further help clarify your decision.
IVF Success Rates FAQ
How many IVF cycles before success?
This depends on various factors. Some will achieve success with just one cycle. For others, it may take multiple cycles. On average, it typically takes about three IVF cycles for a successful pregnancy.
How many IVF cycles can you do?
There’s no strict limit on the number of IVF cycles you can attempt. Most people try about three before considering other options. Your doctor will help determine what’s right for your situation.
How can I improve the chances of IVF success?
Ensure you follow your treatment protocol exactly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Take prescribed medications on time and attend all appointments. Eat well, exercise moderately, avoid smoking, and manage stress levels effectively. These factors all contribute to your outcomes. If you would like support with preconception healthcare, reach out to the team at Conceive Health.
