In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body. IVF is one of the solutions available to infertile couples. This technique facilitates successful pregnancies, which is one of its perks. IVF success is often measured by the number of embryos that implant and grow into a pregnancy.
IVF success rate can vary widely depending on many factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the clinic where the procedure is performed. On average, about 40% of IVF cycles result in a live birth, although this rate can be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.
Other factors that can influence IVF success include:

- The quality of the eggs and sperm: If the eggs or sperm are of poor quality, it may be difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy through IVF.
- The number of embryos transferred: Generally, transferring more embryos increases the chances of a successful pregnancy, but it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies, which can pose health risks to both the mother and the babies.
- The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, which may be used if the sperm count is low or if the sperm have difficulty fertilizing the egg.
- The woman’s age: Women over the age of 35 may have a lower chance of IVF success as the quality of their eggs decreases with age.
It’s important to keep in mind that IVF success rates can be influenced by many factors, and what works for one couple may not work for another. It’s important to discuss your individual situation with a fertility specialist to get a better idea of what you can expect from IVF.
IVF-conceived infants are healthy and of normal birth weight. It is a promising technique for women with fallopian tube obstructions, endometriosis, early ovarian failure, and similar conditions. In addition, it aids men with fertility issues.
Table of Contents
Stages of IVF procedure
In vitro fertilization (IVF) includes fertilization of the egg in a laboratory known as an embryology lab. During in vitro fertilization (IVF), mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm (either from the intended mother or a pre-arranged egg donor) (the intended father or pre-arranged sperm donor). Once the egg has been fertilized, the embryo is put in the woman’s uterus. If implantation is successful, pregnancy may result.
Stage 1: Preparation
In the weeks preceding your treatment for IVF, your fertility team or IVF specialist doctor may advise you to make specific lifestyle adjustments to increase your chances of conceiving.
At this stage, your healthcare provider may offer additional medication to assist, regulate and normalize your menstrual cycle. This can facilitate the beginning of the IVF procedure.
Stage 2: Stage of IVF cycle
This phase signals the start of the IVF cycle. It is indicated by the first day of menstruation. When contacting a clinic, this is referred to as “Day 1.”
Stage 3: Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation is the first stage of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The goal of this stage is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, each of which contains an egg. This is typically done using fertility drugs, such as gonadotropins, which are administered as injections, pills, or nasal sprays.
The length of ovarian stimulation can vary depending on the individual patient but typically lasts around 10-14 days. Between days 3 and 12, you will start taking fertility medicine prescribed by your IVF specialist doctor to encourage the release of eggs from your ovaries.
During this time, the patient will have regular monitoring appointments to track the development of the follicles and monitor hormone levels. Once the follicles have reached a certain size, the patient will receive a trigger shot of hCG to finalize the maturation of the eggs. The egg retrieval procedure will be scheduled 36 hours later.
Stage 4: Egg Retrieval and Semen Collection
Around the same time your eggs are recovered, your spouse (or pre-arranged sperm donor) will contribute sperm for the process. Your fresh eggs will be fertilized with this sperm at the embryology lab. In addition, progesterone will be administered to help prepare your uterus and body for pregnancy.
Egg retrieval and semen collection are two important steps in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.
- Egg Retrieval: Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under light anesthesia. During the procedure, an ultrasound-guided needle is used to retrieve the eggs from the follicles in the ovaries. The retrieved eggs are then examined for maturity and quality.
- Semen Collection: Semen collection is typically done on the same day as the egg retrieval. The semen is collected through ejaculation, either through intercourse or masturbation. The semen is then prepared in the laboratory to isolate the sperm, which will be used for fertilization.
Both egg retrieval and semen collection are critical steps in the IVF process, as the success of the procedure depends on the quality and quantity of the eggs and sperm.
Stage 5: Implantation
Implantation is the process by which a fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, where it begins to develop into a fetus. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, implantation occurs after the fertilized eggs, or embryos, have been cultured in the laboratory for several days.
Once the embryos have reached a certain stage of development, one or more of them will be transferred into the uterus through a small, sterile catheter. This procedure is called an embryo transfer. The number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle can vary depending on the patient’s age, the quality of the embryos, and other factors.
In some cases, a single embryo is transferred, while in others, two or more embryos may be transferred. The success of the implantation depends on several factors, including the quality of the embryos, the age of the patient, and the health of the uterus.
If the implantation is successful, the developing fetus will begin to produce hormones that signal pregnancy. A pregnancy test can be done about two weeks after the embryo transfer to determine if the IVF cycle was successful.
Following egg retrieval, your team will implant the embryo in your uterus within a week. You may have minor cramping during and after this noninvasive procedure. Yet, most people don’t feel any discomfort. If you have any odd pain, simply contact your fertility nurse.
Stage 6: Pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is a way to determine if a person is pregnant or not. It works by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. hCG is produced by the cells that form the placenta and is an early indicator of pregnancy.
In the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a pregnancy test is typically done about two weeks after the embryo transfer. This allows sufficient time for the hCG hormone to reach detectable levels in the blood or urine.
If the pregnancy test is positive, it indicates that the embryo has successfully implanted in the uterus and is growing normally. The patient will then have regular prenatal care appointments with her doctor to monitor the health of the pregnancy and ensure that it progresses normally.
If the pregnancy test is negative, it could mean that the IVF cycle was not successful, or that the test was performed too early. In such cases, the patient may choose to try another IVF cycle or consider other fertility treatments.
Following your embryo transfer, you will have a follow-up appointment with your fertility team or doctor approximately 9 to 12 days later. A scan and blood tests will be performed to identify if pregnancy has happened. A typical IVF cycle lasts approximately three weeks.
Tips for successful IVF
You want to offer your body the best opportunity to conceive and achieve a successful IVF pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate your lifestyle and make the necessary adjustments. There are numerous strategies to boost your chances of IVF success, including diet, exercise, sex life, and stress levels. Along with the below Tips for Successful IVF, it is also important to choose the best infertility center.
Tips for successful IVF that can help you improve the chances of IVF
Here are some tips that can help improve the chances of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
- Manage stress: Stress can negatively impact fertility, so it’s important to manage stress levels during an IVF cycle. This can be done through techniques like relaxation, mindfulness, and exercise.
- Avoid exposure to environmental toxins: Certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollution, can negatively impact fertility. Try to minimize exposure to these toxins during an IVF cycle.
- Get adequate rest and sleep: Getting adequate rest and sleep is important for overall health, and can also help improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
- Choose an experienced IVF clinic: Choosing an experienced and reputable IVF clinic can increase the chances of a successful IVF cycle. Make sure to research different clinics, read reviews, and ask for referrals from friends and family.
- Consider using an egg donor or sperm donor: If the quality of the eggs or sperm is a concern, using an egg or sperm donor may increase the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
- Keep open communication with your doctor: Regular communication with your doctor throughout the IVF cycle can help ensure that any concerns or questions are addressed in a timely manner.
It’s important to keep in mind that every patient is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best to discuss these tips with a doctor to determine which ones are right for you.
The Ideal Diet
During your IVF cycle, many specialists advise against making major dietary changes. However, prior to undergoing IVF, you will need to ensure that you are consuming a balanced and healthy diet, including a mix of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
- Include a variety of colorful fresh vegetables and fruit in your dish.
- For protein, start eating more seafood.
- Include entire grains, such as whole-grain pasta or quinoa, in your diet.
- Include beans and chickpeas in your diet.
- Avoid foods that are overly processed and prepackaged. Instead, choose home-cooked meals.
Reducing alcohol intake
During IVF treatment, reducing your alcohol consumption may improve your chances of implantation. However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fertility team and specialists.
Alcohol and fertility medications may interact. Consequently, it is always prudent to consult your specific healthcare practitioner. Reach out to the best fertility hospital in Coimbatore to undergo an IVF procedure.
Smoking During IVF Treatment
Smoking during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment can have a negative impact on the success of the treatment and the overall health of the patient.
Smoking has been shown to decrease the quality and quantity of eggs, as well as reduce the blood flow to the uterus, making it more difficult for the fertilized eggs to implant and develop into a fetus. In addition, smoking has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
Therefore, it’s recommended that women avoid smoking during an IVF treatment, as well as during pregnancy. If a woman is struggling to quit smoking, she should speak to her doctor, who can provide resources and support to help her quit.
It’s also important to note that exposure to second-hand smoke can also have negative impacts on fertility, so it’s recommended that women avoid being around smoke during an IVF treatment and pregnancy.
Indeed, smoking can affect fertility. Continuing to smoke or use an e-cigarette throughout an IVF cycle can diminish the likelihood of success. As your child grows and develops in the womb, smoking during pregnancy can cause a number of complications.
Exercise During IVF Cycle
Generally, it is recommended to take it easy throughout IVF therapy to lower the body’s stress levels (which can negatively impact your chances of success). However, this does not indicate that exercise should be avoided.
Assuming you have a good Body Mass Index, the suggested method to exercise during IVF is to maintain your routine (BMI). Understand your Success Rate of IVF Treatment at the IVF center for the IVF successful treatment.
However, many IVF specialists advise against exercising more than 20 kilometers each week. Running can be particularly taxing on the body and the reproductive system. Consequently, it may be prudent to minimize this activity while undergoing IVF therapy.
S*x during IVF
Sexual activity during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment can have both positive and negative impacts on the success of the treatment.
On one hand, sexual activity can help relieve stress and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for fertility and overall health. On the other hand, sexual activity can also cause cervical mucus to be expelled from the cervix, which can make it more difficult for the fertilized eggs to implant in the uterus.
Therefore, it’s recommended to follow the advice of your IVF doctor regarding sexual activity during an IVF treatment. In general, it’s best to avoid sexual activity immediately before and after the embryo transfer, as this can increase the chances of successful implantation. However, this may vary depending on the individual case, so it’s best to speak to your doctor for personalized advice.
It’s also important to keep in mind that while sexual activity during an IVF treatment is generally considered safe, there is a risk of premature labor and other complications in the later stages of pregnancy, so it’s best to follow the advice of your doctor regarding sexual activity during pregnancy.
It is recommended that the male partner refrains from ejaculating three to four days prior to sperm collection during IVF. This involves not indulging in sexual activity or manual stimulation. It is also advisable to avoid sexual practices, such as deep penetration, that irritate the cervix. Additionally, sexual activity is perfectly acceptable 24 hours after embryo transfer.
Sleep during IVF
According to research, persons who sleep 7-8 hours per night have a greater likelihood of IVF success. Sleep is quite recuperative. It is where, among other things, the body repairs itself, and it can contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
Depending on your sleep patterns, your fertility specialist may offer melatonin to boost IVF success and deep sleep. Melatonin is believed to improve the likelihood of implantation, although additional research is required. Get to know the IVF success rate in Coimbatore to avail of the treatment without any concerns.
IVF may be a stressful period for you and your family. However, there are several methods you can boost your odds of success, such as changing your nutrition, minimizing stress, enough sleep, and supplements, and being mindful of the chemicals in common home goods.
IVF Success Rates by Age
In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates can vary based on many factors, including age. Here is a general overview of IVF success rates by age:
- Women under the age of 35: Women under the age of 35 have the highest IVF success rates, with 40-50% of cycles resulting in a live birth.
- Women between the ages of 35-37: Women between the ages of 35-37 still have relatively high IVF success rates, with 30-40% of cycles resulting in a live birth.
- Women between the ages of 38-40: Women between the ages of 38-40 have slightly lower IVF success rates, with 20-30% of cycles resulting in a live birth.
- Women over the age of 40: Women over the age of 40 have the lowest IVF success rates, with 5-15% of cycles resulting in a live birth.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and individual IVF success rates can vary greatly based on factors such as overall health, quality of eggs and sperm, and the cause of infertility. Additionally, success rates can also vary depending on the clinic and the specific IVF protocol used.
Therefore, it’s best to discuss your individual IVF success rates with your doctor, who can provide personalized advice and information based on your specific case.
How to Make IVF Successful the First Time
There is no guaranteed way to ensure a successful first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, but there are several steps you can take to improve your chances:
- Choose an experienced fertility clinic: Select a clinic with a proven track record of success and high success rates. Make sure to ask about the clinic’s success rates, as well as their experience with patients similar to yours.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding lifestyle factors that can negatively impact fertility, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can all improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
- Take care of your mental health: Stress and anxiety can negatively impact fertility, so it’s important to take steps to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, or therapy.
- Consider using a donor egg or sperm: Using donor eggs or sperm can help improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle, especially for women over the age of 35 or couples with fertility issues.
- Follow the advice of your doctor: Your doctor will be able to provide personalized advice based on your specific situation, so it’s important to follow their recommendations regarding medications, the timing of intercourse, and other factors.
- Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs: IVF can be an emotionally challenging process, and it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of disappointment and setbacks. Seek support from loved ones, friends, or a support group if needed.
While these tips can help improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no guarantee of success, and individual results can vary greatly.
IVF Process Success Rate
The success rate of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the specific IVF protocol used.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national average live birth rate for women under the age of 35 is 40-50% per IVF cycle, while the rate for women over the age of 40 is 5-10%.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and success rates can vary greatly depending on the individual case and the specific clinic. For example, some clinics may have higher success rates due to their experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and personalized treatment plans.
Therefore, it’s best to discuss your individual IVF success rate with your doctor, who can provide personalized advice and information based on your specific case.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about IVF success:
What is the average IVF success rate?
The average IVF success rate varies widely depending on factors such as the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the clinic where the procedure is performed. On average, about 40% of IVF cycles result in a live birth, although this rate can be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.
What factors influence IVF success?
IVF success can be influenced by many factors, including the quality of the eggs and sperm, the number of embryos transferred, the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the woman’s age.
Can IVF success rates vary from clinic to clinic?
Yes, IVF success rates can vary from clinic to clinic, and it’s important to choose a reputable clinic with a high success rate and experienced staff. You can research clinics by looking at their success rates and reading reviews from patients.
What can I do to increase my chances of IVF success?
There are several things you can do to increase your chances of IVF success, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and taking fertility drugs to increase the number of eggs produced. You should also choose a reputable clinic with a high success rate and experienced staff.
What is the IVF success rate for women over 40?
The IVF success rate for women over 40 can be lower than for younger women, as the quality of their eggs decreases with age. However, the success rate can still be high if the eggs are of good quality and the clinic has a high success rate.
What is the IVF success rate for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
The IVF success for women with PCOS can be lower than for women without the condition, but it can still be successful with the right treatment and care.
What is the IVF success rate with donated eggs?
The IVF success rate with donated eggs is generally higher than with the woman’s own eggs, as the quality of the eggs is usually better. The success rate can vary depending on the quality of the sperm and the clinic where the procedure is performed.