In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has been a magical blessing for many couples who have been struggling to conceive a baby. Since its inception, the technique has helped many such people across the globe.
The new advancements and innovations in IVF and Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) has improved the success rate, making it a widely popular method to tackle infertility. It has managed to trump a variety of conditions that were otherwise considered unmanageable and infertile among men and women both. The IVF success rate in India is excellent and at par with, if not more than, the top fertility clinics of the world. However, the success for an individual may vary on many factors.
Also, there are numerous IVF clinics in the country and the success rate varies with different medical centers. It is important to choose a right clinic and research about the hospital as well as the doctor before making a decision. The doctor’s experience and qualifications are also important considerations for a successful treatment.
Here are some factors that may influence the success of IVF procedure for a couple:
- Type of Fertility Problem
There are some kinds of fertility conditions that can be very successfully treated with IVF and other reproductive procedures while certain conditions have a poor the success rates. For instance, IVF gives a good result for tubal blockage in comparison to recurrent miscarriage condition or thin endometrium. Also, the uterine abnormalities, fibroids, exposure to synthetic estrogen such as DES, and long term effects of latent tuberculosis can also negatively affect IVF success rates.
Although, there are some male infertility factors that may also impact the success rate of IVF treatment, but intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and other sperm selection procedures has reduced its negative influence on success rate.
- Patient’s age
The age of the patient is one of the most important factor that determines the IVF success rate. With the increasing age of women the lesser the chances of success in IVF. This is an important determinant as with age the egg is affected. This is because the quantity and quality of egg reduces as the woman ages. The protocol of ovarian stimulation during the IVF procedure is planned by the doctor based on the patient’s age. Also, the number of embryos to be transferred and other steps are also planned accordingly. Generally. Embryo transfer of up to 5 embryos can be done in cases of advanced age.
- Previous pregnancies or multiple miscarriage:
The record of previous pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage are also considered by the doctor while planning and starting the treatment. Patients with such history may have slightly difficult as the IVF success rate in such cases can be low. Also, many such patients have difficulty delivering a live baby. Therefore, history of recurrent miscarriage or having different partners may affect the overall success rate.
- Dual Infertility Factors
In cases where both male and female partner have infertility conditions, there are lower chances of success in a IVF cycle. It may also depend on the type of condition and if it can be treated or managed with treatment. Compared to infertility in one partner, dual infertility factors lower the success rate.
- Ovulation Dysfunction
Another important factor in determining the success rate of IVF is ovarian dysfunction. In women who have a high level of FSH and low levels of AMH, the hormone required for stimulation is high, the success rates generally seems to be low.
- Use of Donor Eggs /Embryos
When the female partner is above 35-40 years of age, a good alternative for higher success in IVF cycle is using donor eggs from a young female. In such cases, factors like egg quality and age of the patient are considerable pointers. The success rate of IVF with donor eggs in patients over forty years of age has been reported to increase the success rate to 55%.
In case where dual factor infertility is a restraint, the embryo transfer technique improves the chances of success in IVF for those patients. The success rates are noted to be as high as egg donation with embryo donation.
- Lifestyle related factors
Obesity: Obesity has been frequently associated with lower success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Also, women who have a very low body weight have increased chances of experiencing a lower success rate in IVF compared to women with body weight that falls in the normal range. Men with obesity conditions have been reported to have with low sperm count and motility. Weight loss can help improve the semen quality and erectile dysfunction, and also improve IVF success rate.
Smoking: It is generally advised for patients to stop smoking at least three months before the start of IVF treatment. This is to improve the chances of pregnancy. There are some other factors which are also affected due to smoking. People who smoke need a higher dose of hormone for ovary stimulation, which in turn reduces the success rate in IVF. Also, smoking has been associated with reduction of the implantation rate and increase chances of needing more number of IVF cycles. Smokers also experience low fertilization rates.
