Understanding IVF Success Rates and Realistic Expectations
IVF is a treatment that has accorded hope and success to so many couples. Success rate in IVF is
often loosely used; however, technically, it is defined as the ratio of IVF cycles that result in a live
birth. It is never one size fits all! The rate differs based on age, health, lifestyle and expertise.
Typically, for women under 35, the average success rate is around 50%, reducing further with age –
for women between 38 and 40, the rates hover around 20-25%, and for those over 40 years, it is
around 5 to 10%.
The success rate helps set realistic expectations and guide couples in making choices that suit them.
The most important thing to remember in an IVF journey is that it offers hope, not certainty.
Medical Guidelines: Recommended Number of IVF Cycles
When you start off on the IVF journey, there are an overwhelming number of questions. How many
times can you do IVF in a year? Or how many IVF cycles are required to conceive? Research shows
that 50% of women can conceive within three IVF cycles. Women under 35 with no medical
challenges can conceive in one or two cycles. Multiple cycles are recommended in cases with severe
infertility diagnoses or where age is higher.
Age-Based Recommendations from Fertility Experts
Under 35: Up to 6 cycles recommended
How many times egg retrieval can be done? The quality of eggs is higher in women under 35 with a
better ovarian reserve. Hence, up to six cycles can be done before considering other treatment
options.
35-37 years: Up to 5 cycles
Between 35 and 37, the egg quality begins to reduce slightly, but fertility chances remain high.
Generally, doctors recommend up to five cycles for success.
38-40 years: Up to 4 cycles
With fertility dropping further at this stage, around four cycles are advised. At this point, your doctor
may also discuss advanced strategies like genetic testing of embryos.
Over 40: Consider donor eggs after 2-3 cycles
Post 40, the natural egg quality as well as quantity reduces significantly. In case of 2–3 unsuccessful
cycles, you can consider donor eggs to improve chances of conception.
Key Factors That Determine Your IVF Cycle Limit
Age and Ovarian Reserve
With age, fertility declines, so age remains a determinant factor in the success rate of IVF. The
number of IVF cycles is limited in women older than 40 for reasons such as ovarian reserve and
quality of eggs; hence, there is a lower chance of successful pregnancy.
Financial Resources and Insurance Coverage
IVF is expensive, and not everyone may be able to afford the treatment. Hence, it is imperative to
consider financial resources that will affect the number of IVF cycles.
Emotional and Physical Health Readiness
An IVF journey can be emotionally draining, and it may take a lot to handle the stress and anxiety
associated with it. While emotional well-being is prime, it is also important that you ensure your
physical health is good in order to undergo IVF cycles.
When to Stop IVF Treatment: Warning Signs
An IVF journey can be tough, physically and emotionally. While there are a good number of couples
with successful pregnancies, there are also quite a few who face disappointments due to health
concerns or due to emotional challenges. It is important to understand when you must stop the IVF
treatment, and while it is a personal decision, there are a few warning signs to guide you.
Multiple failed attempts are one of the clear signs that IVF is not a suitable treatment. Generally,
after 3 to 6 unsuccessful IVF cycles, most doctors recommend considering donor eggs, embryos or
alternative paths to parenthood.
If there are repeated pregnancy losses after IVF, it is a sure sign to explore other options. If the IVF
process is leading to stress, strained relations or financial distress, it may be time to stop the
treatment.
Whether it is due to repeated failed attempts or medical reasons, knowing when to stop the
treatment is a personal decision and may not be an easy one to take.
Alternative Options After Multiple Failed Cycles
Donor Eggs and Sperm
If IVF failure is due to genetic factors, using donor eggs or embryos may increase the chances of
pregnancy.
Gestational Surrogacy
Where uterine problems or repeated implantation failures occur, gestational surrogacy may be an
option.
Adoption Pathways
While not a medical option, adoption can be explored for those who have exhausted other medical
options.
Making Your Personal IVF Decision
The IVF journey is filled with hopes and anxieties. From whether you should opt for IVF to which
clinic, how many cycles, how many times can you do IVF in a year, donor eggs, etc., there are so
many shrouded doubts. While IVF leads to a beautiful path, it requires immense patience and
preparation. It is advised to take time out to prepare physically and emotionally for the IVF journey,
as well as IVF risks. This is an extremely personal decision where you need to prioritise your health,
well-being and happiness.
Working with Your Fertility Team
Your decision to opt for the IVF journey is a huge one, and we make sure that you get the support
you need. Ensuring open communication with your doctor will help you understand realistic
outcomes and the IVF risks and evaluate alternative options. The team can support you in taking an
informed decision about continuing or exploring other options.
Conclusion: Hope and Realistic Planning
While the IVF journey can be challenging, it is vital that you weigh your options, consider IVF risks,
make a check of all factors to be involved, and set realistic expectations.
FAQs
- How many times can IVF be done?
Most experts recommend 4-6 cycles, varying based on age, health and other medical conditions. - How successful is IVF after 4 attempts?
Typically, the IVF success rate drops after multiple failed attempts. The success depends heavily on
individual factors. - Is IVF successful the 2nd time?
A second cycle might increase chances of cumulative success. The success rate will be around 35-
40%. - How many IVF attempts to get pregnant?
On average, you can expect to get pregnant after 3 cycles. - What is next if IVF does’nt work?
You can explore other medical treatments such as donor eggs or sperm and gestational surrogacy.
You can also consider adoption. - What are the disadvantages of IVF babies?
Generally, IVF babies are healthy, but there may be a few risks associated with IVF babies –
premature birth, multiple births, low birth weight, etc.
