Understanding the Numbers

IVF success rates are available for everyone to examine. Yet, understanding the information presented in the tables may not be so easy.

Fertility clinics use several different ways to measure success, depending on the stage of the procedure that the couple reaches. Because of these differences, published success rates can be misunderstood and misleading when used to compare clinics or to understand your odds of conceiving. You can get a better picture of a clinic's success by examining the pregnancy rates for all stages of treatment. It is clear that you need to choose a program that offers the services that you need based on your particular diagnosis.

The most important statistic to examine is the live birth rate per cycle. This will tell you how many women ultimately take home a baby based on the number of women who start treatment. Understand that pregnancy rates per transfer or retrieval will be higher due to miscarriages that can occur after pregnancy is recognized

Another important factor to consider when looking at success rate data is how many embryos were transferred per IVF cycle. SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) have published guidelines as to how many embryos should be transferred, based on the patient's age. CCRM follows the guidelines set forth by SART and ASRM.

Success Factors

IVF success depends on two factors. The first is the couple's chance of conception. This will be influenced by many factors including age, diagnosis, years of infertility, ability to produce multiple eggs and the extent of prior testing and treatment. IVF centers are also diverse. They employ different patient selection criteria, different stimulation protocols and laboratory procedures. These can all influence success rates.

The best IVF program may not be the same for everyone. Selecting a clinic is a difficult decision and CCRM is dedicated to helping you make the best choice regarding your family building options. Schedule an appointment today!