A doubt that creeps into every individual’s mind before adopting the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment is whether the treatment will be 100% effective. IVF treatment is not 100% effective all the time, although, in reality, it is one of the best Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) the modern medical technology has to offer.
IVF is a major ART treatment. It can enhance the fertility level of a woman even when the treatment technically fails. It is also found that the treatment’s success rate increases with each IVF cycle. Therefore, it can be said that even when the very first attempt of IVF fails, there is hope in the subsequent cycles and that the fertility treatment can yield considerable results over time.
Are IVF Treatments 100% Successful?
IVF Success Percentage
IVF is not 100% effective all the time. However, under certain favorable situations, IVF treatments are successful on the first attempt itself. The factors that aid the success of the IVF treatments include:
- Age of the woman, if it is below 35.
- Good ovarian reserve.
- No complaint of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).
- Ideal sperm quality.
Under such conditions, the IVF treatment is sure to succeed. If the treatment fails beyond these circumstances, you do not have to worry, as there is hope for the treatment to grow at the next attempt.
On average, 40% to 43% of IVF treatments are successful on a global scale. The success rate increases to 60% in the second cycle of treatment. This percentage is applicable to women below 35 years of age.
Since age impacts fertility to a greater extent for women over 35 years, the treatment’s success begins to decline with an increase in age. You can try Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) if you are planning pregnancy at a later stage, as it will have more chances of success than fresh embryo transfer.
Why Doesn't IVF Have a 100% Success Rate?
Multiple factors influence the success of the IVF treatment. Quality of egg and sperm, successful fertilization and implantation processes, healthy lifestyle factors, and others must come into play together to yield the desired success result. When certain biological limitations, medical conditions, and other factors hinder the treatment, the desired outcome may not be produced.
Factors Affecting the Success Rate of IVF
Factors that influence the success of the IVF treatment include the following:
- Quality of egg
- Quantity of egg
- Quality of sperm
- Fertilization process
- Implantation process
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS)
- Multiple Embryo Transfer
- Lifestyle factors
- Unexplained infertility
- Choice of fertility clinic and specialist
Quality of Egg
The quality of the eggs determines proper fertilization, embryo development, and successful implantation.
Quantity of Egg
For IVF, more than 5 eggs will be required, at a minimum, to fertilize and develop embryos at the laboratory successfully. Poor ovarian reserve can pose a challenge to this requirement.
Quality of Sperm
The quality of sperm determines successful fertilization. The shape, size, and quantity of the sperm have to be ideal for them to be considered quality sperm.
Fertilization Process
The fertilization process taking place in the laboratory distinguishes the IVF treatment. The fertilization process will take place only in favorable environments like good quality eggs and sperm, ideal temperature, proper timing, professionals’ expertise, and other factors.
Implantation Process
The implantation process is crucial in IVF treatment. Only a successful implantation determines successful treatment results. Providing an optimal environment for the implantation process to take place is therefore highly essential to get positive pregnancy results.
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS)
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) can result in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can result in blood clots, abdominal bloating, discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath, and other complicated health conditions. This can end up troubling the IVF treatment results.
Multiple Embryo Transfer
Multiple embryo transfers can increase the chances of pregnancy. But it also poses challenges to the mother and babies’ health and threatens preterm labor.
Lifestyle Factors
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits like no smoking or excess alcohol consumption and doing regular exercises to maintain an ideal BMI are all highly required to influence the success rate of the IVF treatment.
Unexplained Infertility
Even after extensive tests and trials, fertility treatments may not work, unfortunately, due to unidentified factors.
Choice of Fertility Clinic and Specialist
The choice of fertility clinic and doctor determines the quality of the IVF treatment. Fertility clinics must have adequate infrastructure, and fertility specialists must have the required credentials and a good success rate to enhance the quality of IVF treatment.
Conclusion
IVF treatments are a great way to make your dream of parenthood come true. IVF can become successful if all the factors that impede its success are addressed properly, and adequate steps are taken to prevent any unforeseen unforeseen factors or potential side effects that may hinder the treatment’s results.
More than 8 million babies have been born around the world since the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978. And many couples benefit greatly from the treatment worldwide to date. So, put your hope in the treatment and approach qualified fertility specialists and well-equipped fertility clinics for your IVF treatment.
Wishing you all the best in your IVF journey!
FAQs
No, IVF treatments cannot guarantee 100% success all the time. There is a possibility for the treatment to be successful at the first attempt itself. Many couples succeed on the second try as the success rate increases considerably during the second cycle.
No, IVF is not painful all the time. It does not include any incisions or surgery. You would have to take medications and injections to supplement the hormone deficiency. Other than the mildly painful injections, the IVF treatment is completely pain-free.
Yes, IVF treatments can be done back to back with a month gap in between. Ask your fertility doctor for advice on this subject, as the treatment method may vary from individual to individual.
