Considering in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Then it’s important to learn about IVF success factors that can help or hinder getting pregnant.

IVF Success Factor 1 - Age

Younger women have higher chances of IVF success. The success rate for women under 35 who start an IVF cycle is 40 percent. Older women have fewer eggs and the lower quality in comparison.In fact, the IVF success rate in women over age 42 is less than 10 percent with own eggs.

IVF Success Factor 2 - Previous pregnancy

More IVF success factors to think about include whether or not you were pregnant previously and if it was with the same partner.If you were pregnant previously with the same partner that’s currently undergoing IVF treatment, there is a greater probability of IVF success. Factors such as a history of recurrent miscarriage or a different partner may reduce the chances of IVF success.

IVF Success Factor 3 - Type of fertility problems

While some male infertility problems do impact IVF success.very low semen count and motility may require ICSI.Female factors like uterine abnormalities, exposure to DES or fibroid tumours also decrease the likelihood of success with IVF.Very important to know: IVF success factors are dependent on ovulation. Ovarian dysfunction, like high FSH levels and low AMH level, which indicate a low ovarian reserve, may reduce the chances of IVF success.  Factors that may lower pregnancy rates and reduce success with IVF include needing large amounts of ovulation stimulation drugs.When both partners are infertile with lower chances for IVF success, factors such as the length of time you have been infertile is important to consider. The chances of IVF success decrease with the amount of time a couple has been infertile.

IVF Success Factor 4 - Use of donor eggs

Donor eggs are a significant consideration, especially if you are over 35-40, as there may be a higher rate of IVF success. Factors such as egg quality and age of donor are important. Using donor eggs from younger women may increase the chances of pregnancy for women over 40. 2011 findings show a 55 percent live birth success rate with a fresh donor egg/embryo transfer.

IVF Success Factor 5 - Lifestyle habits

Stop smoking if you want to improve your chance of having a baby. In fact, many times the woman is required to stop smoking at least 3 months before starting IVF treatment.Smokers require higher dosages of fertility drugs to stimulate their ovaries.Smokers have lower implantation rates than nonsmokers.

More IVF success factors to mull over include losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Women who are overweight have an increased risk of infertility as well as miscarriage. Underweight women are also at greater risk of having a failure with IVF. Bottom line: aim to stay within a healthy weight range.

IVF Success Factor 6 - Fertility clinic

The centre you choose to perform the IVF treatment can greatly affect your IVF success. Factors to think about when reviewing the success rate of fertility centres include:

  • The training and experience of the IVF clinic and staff
  • The live birth rate per IVF cycles
  • The rate of patients pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more)
  • The laboratory used by the clinic and the qualifications of their staff
  • The types of patients accepted at the clinic, more specifically their age and fertility problem

Keep in mind that some clinics are more willing to accept patients with a lower chance of IVF success or they may specialize in particular treatments.