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If you’ve had problems getting pregnant and are considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) to start or expand your family, you probably wonder about its success rate.
This question is important because IVF treatment involves a significant investment, and you want the best possible chance of success.
Pregnancy Success Rates and You
There are three common reasons a woman may not be able to get pregnant naturally.
1. Age-Related Infertility
As women age, the number and quality of their eggs decrease, and women as young as 35 can be affected.
2. Medically Infertile
Women under the age of 35 who haven’t been able to conceive for over a year may have underlying medical reasons that are easily diagnosable. These conditions include endometriosis, absent or damaged fallopian tubes, or tubal and pelvic adhesions.
3. Unexplained Infertility
In many cases, the cause of infertility is unknown, with many possible contributors. A fertility evaluation is needed to learn more.
IVF Success Rates and Age
The age of the mother is known to directly affect the success rate of IVF. According to the CDC, success rates for women using their own eggs typically fall into the following categories.
- Women under the age of 35 (using their own eggs) have a live birth rate via IVF of 55.6%, according to The Society for Reproductive Technology (SART)
- Women aged 35 to 37 (using their own eggs) have a success rate of 40.8%
- Women between the ages of 38 and 40 (using their own eggs) show a success rate of 26.8%
- The success rate declines to 7% for women over 40; however, success can be much higher if they choose donor eggs
These rates include all assisted reproductive technology (ART). IVF is the most common of these types of treatments.
You can gain a better understanding of your potential success rates by filling out the following form from the CDC.
Advanced Reproductive Technology (ART) and IVF Success
Reproductive Fertility Center uses advanced technologies to increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is accomplished with the following steps:
- The first step of IVF is ovarian stimulation (fertility drugs encourage the ovaries to produce many high-quality eggs that are used to increase the chances of successful conception).
During the stimulation period, lab tests and ultrasounds are performed to monitor the development of the follicles.
- Ultrasound guides the vaginal aspiration of eggs.
IV sedation is provided to alleviate any discomfort during the procedure, which lasts about 15 minutes.
- At the same time, the male partner usually provides a semen sample which is examined in our lab. The highest quality sperm is selected to fertilize the eggs. In some cases, the sperm can be collected and cryopreserved before the eggs are retrieved.
- The best quality sperm are combined with healthy eggs for the fertilization process. When low sperm count is an issue, or the eggs are not fertilized using the traditional IVF process, some doctors may choose to fertilize through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our clinic uses intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as a standard practice to improve our overall live birth rate and your chances of a successful procedure.
- Our doctor will transfer the embryos into the woman’s uterus one to five days after fertilization via a thin catheter inserted through the cervix. This is typically a fast and painless procedure.
A blood pregnancy test is performed two weeks after the embryo transfer, and if positive, an ultrasound will be scheduled two weeks after that.
Tips for Men and Women to Increase Their Chances of Conception with ART
WOMEN:
- Do not drink alcohol, smoke, do drugs, or consume more than two caffeinated beverages daily for three months before treatment and during pregnancy).
- Be at a healthy weight and eat a well-balanced diet.
- Avoid very hot baths, saunas, and jacuzzies during your cycle.
- Do not engage in intercourse for four days before egg retrieval and while you wait for pregnancy test results.
MEN:
- Let your doctor know if you have been sick or had a fever within two months before the IVF procedure, as this can affect sperm quality.
- Avoid hot baths, jacuzzies, and saunas.
- Do not consume alcohol, use drugs, or smoke for three months before treatment begins and during the IVF cycle.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse for at least three (but not more than seven) days before semen collection is scheduled.
ART/IVF in Beverly Hills and Southern California
At Reproductive Fertility Center, we have a high success rate in helping individuals dealing with infertility become pregnant. Our center is run by Dr. Peyman Saadat, a world-renowned reproductive specialist in Southern California with offices in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Riverside, and Glendora.
Call the Reproductive Fertility Center today at (310) 881-8846 to learn more about how you can become a parent using ART and IVF.
CDC’s ART/IVF Success Estimator
Click here if you want to know your chances of success using IVF!