IVF success rates

For women considering IVF at 40, the journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Fertility naturally declines with age, which can impact success rates. Although it is still possible to have IVF at 40 with your own eggs, the chances of success are lower compared to younger women due to a decrease in egg quality and quantity. However, personalised treatment and medical support can help improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

IVF with donor eggs over the age of 40 is another option that can increase the chances of pregnancy for those who are exploring alternatives. Donor eggs help overcome age-related challenges and offer another path to parenthood for women in their 40s.

Another thing you may wonder about when considering IVF treatment is the difference in success rate between a fresh IVF cycle versus a frozen cycle.

• In a fresh cycle, the fertilised embryo will be transferred to the uterus two to five days after egg retrieval. 
• In a frozen cycle, the embryos are frozen after egg retrieval and fertilisation. This allows embryo transfer to take place months or years later.    

Studies show that the success rate of one frozen embryo transfer is comparable to that of a fresh transfer.

One advantage of frozen embryo transfers is the ability to optimise the timing for implantation. For some women, it may be better to recover from the stimulation phase of IVF before proceeding with treatment.  

As we’ve already mentioned, the success of IVF depends on many factors, with age being one of the most significant. But underlying fertility challenges can also play a role. Conditions such as uterine abnormalities or endometriosis can make the process more complex. Lifestyle factors - including smoking, weight, and overall health - can also influence the likelihood of success.

For those with a low ovarian reserve, IVF success rates may be lower because there are fewer eggs available to retrieve. However, personalised treatment plans, including hormone optimisation or the use of donor eggs, can improve the chances of getting pregnant. Similarly, for women with unexplained infertility, IVF success rates can vary, but a tailored approach can often improve the chances of success.

Some women get pregnant at their first attempt, while others may need several cycles of treatment. As with many things related to fertility treatment, success often varies based on personal factors. So, what is the success rate of IVF on the first try? It’s difficult to put exact numbers on this question. But in general, more women under 35 get pregnant in their first IVF cycle compared to older age groups.  

Embryo transfer success rates typically improve with multiple attempts, as subsequent cycles allow for adjustments and optimisations based on previous experience.