What is the Success Rate of IVF?

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilisation, or IVF as it is popularly called, is one of the types of Assisted Reproductive Techniques, which uses a combination of medicines and surgical procedures that help sperm fertilise an egg outside the uterus and then implant that fertilised egg in the uterus.

IVF Success Rates in India

IVF success rates indicate the percentage of cycles that result in a live birth or pregnancy. In India, the average success rate per cycle generally falls between 30%–60%, though this varies widely depending on individual factors such as age, egg quality, underlying fertility issues, and clinic expertise. Younger women tend to have higher success rates due to stronger ovarian reserves and better egg quality.

What are the factors that affect the IVF success rate?

IVF success can vary from person to person, as it depends on a combination of medical, biological, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these factors can help you feel more prepared and confident as you begin your IVF journey.

 

1. Age

Your age is one of the most important IVF success factors to consider. While younger women have higher chances of IVF success, the reduction in the number of eggs and the reduction in the quality of the eggs as you age tend to be the reasons behind the reduction in the success chances of IVF treatment in older women. In fact, the live birth IVF success rate for women who are under 35 and who start an IVF cycle is nearly 50 to 60 per cent. However, the success rate for women over age 42 is 10 per cent.

 

2. Previous pregnancy and partner

One more important factor to consider during IVF is whether or not you were pregnant previously, and if it was with the same partner. The probability of success is much higher if you were previously pregnant with the same partner who is undergoing the IVF treatment. Factors such as having a history of recurrent miscarriages or a previous pregnancy with a different partner may reduce the chances of IVF success.

 

3. Type of fertility problems

While some male infertility problems do impact IVF success, factors like uterine abnormalities, exposure to DES, or fibroid tumours also impact the chances of success. It is important to know that IVF success factors are also dependent on ovulation. Ovarian dysfunction, like high FSH levels, which indicate a low ovarian reserve, may also reduce the chances of your IVF success.

 

4. Use of donor eggs

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

 

5. Lifestyle habits

These also have a significant impact on IVF success.

 

1. Abstaining from smoking is important to improve your chances of pregnancy. In fact, many times the woman is required to stop smoking at least 3 months before starting IVF treatment. This is because:

• Smokers require higher dosages of fertility drugs to stimulate their ovaries.
• Smokers have comparatively lower implantation rates than nonsmokers.
• Women who smoke have a high risk of failed fertilisation cycles

2. Weight is another factor that impacts IVF success. Being overweight or obese may also impact your success rates.

• Women who are overweight have an increased risk of infertility as well as miscarriage.
• Underweight women are also at greater risk of having success with IVF.

 

Bottom line: aim to stay within a healthy weight range.

 

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 experience of the IVF clinic and staff
• The live birth rate per IVF cycle started
• The laboratory used by the clinic and the qualifications of its staff
• The types of patients accepted at the clinic, more specifically, their age and fertility problems
• Keep in mind that some clinics are more willing to accept patients with a lower chance of IVF success, or they may specialise in particular treatments.

Also, read ivf process in Hindi

IVF Success Rates By Age

Fertility typically declines with age, and along with it IVF success rate also reduces. It happens because the quality and quantity of eggs decrease with age, which directly affects fertility and causes difficulty in conception.

 

Age remains one of the most important determinants of IVF success:

 

• Under 30 years: ~55–65% success rate per cycle (highest chance of success)
• 30–34 years: ~45–55% success rate
• 35–37 years: ~35–45% success rate
• 38–40 years: ~25–30% success rate
• Above 40 years: ~10–20% per cycle; declines further with age

 

These figures are averages; individual success can vary with health, fertility diagnosis, and treatment approach

 

1. IVF success rates under 35

It is said that men and women are more fertile in their 20s and have a higher success rate of pregnancy compared to people in their 30s. The success rate may vary from one fertility clinic to another, depending on the specialisation of the doctor and the type of cycle opted for in assisted reproduction. The average success rate is generally between 50–55% per cycle for women under 35.

 

Advantages of Starting IVF Before 35

 

• A higher number of good-quality eggs is available for stimulation.
• Lower risk of chromosome abnormalities, which improves embryo viability.
• Better hormonal balance and uterine environment to support implantation.
• Often, fewer cycles are needed before achieving pregnancy.

 

Due to the above benefits, fertility specialists often recommend women to consider early evaluation and treatment in case of fertility problems.

2. IVF Success Rates Between 35–40

For women aged 35 to 40, IVF success remains possible but gradually declines. Success rates in this age group are usually 30–45% per cycle, depending on individual health and egg quality.

 

Things to consider at 35–40

 

• Fertility specialists may suggest hormone tests like AMH and AFC to assess ovarian reserve early.
• Advanced techniques such as ICSI or Preimplantation genetic screening (PGT-A) can help select healthy embryos and improve outcomes.
• Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, diet, exercise and stress management can support treatment response.

 

Pregnancy outcomes can still be achieved with personalised treatment plans and careful monitoring.

3. IVF Success rates over 40

The success rate of assisted reproduction and natural conception typically decreases for women over 40. According to research, it is believed that the average success rate of IVF for women in their 40s is usually 10% to 20% per cycle.

 

What to Consider After 40

 

• Donor eggs are often recommended for significantly improved success. Many centres report higher live birth rates with younger donor eggs.
• Clinics may suggest technologies like blastocyst culture and genetic screening (PGT) to enhance embryo selection and minimise miscarriage risk.
• Multiple IVF cycles might be needed to achieve pregnancy.
• Discussing realistic expectations and fertility goals before starting the treatment helps with better planning.

 

Right guidance can help make pregnancy possible even at higher ages.

IVF Success Rate With the Number OF Embryos

The success rate of IVF can be affected by the number of embryos transplanted during the process. However, there is no ideal number and the age of woman, the quality of the embryos, and any underlying medical issues play a crucial role. Your fertility specialist will decide on how many embryos to transfer to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy while lowering the danger of multiple pregnancies, which can pose health risks.

 

In certain cases, such as for women with higher age or those who have a history of poor IVF treatments, transferring multiple embryos can boost the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. However, it also increases the likelihood of multiple pregnancies that may increase the health risk for both the mother and the babies. Therefore, it is important to balance the numbers for achieving pregnancy while preventing multiple births.

Single Embryos vs Multiple Embryos

 

Single Embryo Transfer (SET)	Multiple Embryo Transfer (MET)
It is preferred when the embryo quality is good. It reduces the risk of twin or higher-order pregnancies.	It may increase the chance of implantation in certain cases. However, it also raises the risk of twin or triplet pregnancies.

Risk of Multiple Pregnancy

 

Transferring more than one embryo carries the following risks:

 

• It increases the chance of a multiple pregnancy.
• While twins or triplets might seem desirable, they carry risks of premature birth, low birth weight, maternal complications and longer neonatal care.

 

That is why clinics now commonly favour single embryo transfer, where feasible, to keep both mother and baby safe.

Why Does IVF Success Decrease With Age?

IVF success rates reduce with age due to the following reasons:

 

• Declining egg quantity and quality as years pass.
• Higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in older eggs.
• Increased miscarriage risk with age.
• Reduced ovarian reserve leads to fewer eggs retrieved.

What Lifestyle Factors Can Support IVF Success?

Some everyday lifestyle choices that can positively impact your fertility outcomes are:

 

• Maintain a healthy weight since a balanced BMI supports hormone regulation.
• Quit smoking & reduce alcohol consumption because both of these harm egg and sperm quality.
• Manage stress. Techniques like meditation or counselling can help.
• Incorporate nutrient-rich foods in your diet as they support reproductive health.
• Regular moderate exercise helps maintain hormonal balance and overall wellness.

Takeaway

Age plays a significant role in the success of IVF, as younger women usually have better chances due to good egg quality and ovarian reserve. Although the results gradually decline post-35 and significantly post-40, personalised treatment, modern lab techniques, and timely medical advice can still bring the desired outcome. Early fertility evaluation and informed decision-making play a crucial role at every stage.

FAQs

Q: At what age is IVF most successful?
IVF success is highest in younger women, particularly under 30–35 years, when egg quality and quantity are strongest.

 

Q: What is the average IVF success rate in India?
On average, IVF success rates in India range from about 30% to 50% per cycle, depending on age and other factors.

 

Q: Does IVF have a 100% success rate?
No. It is a myth that IVF has a 100% success rate in the first cycle. However, at Birla Fertility & IVF, we have a team of highly experienced fertility specialists who offer the best-in-class success rates even at a higher age.

 

Q: What is the success rate of IVF on the first try?
The success rate of IVF on the first attempt is nearly 30-40%. However, this may vary based on various factors like the type of infertility, the type of technique used for the IVF treatment, and the age of the patient.

 

Q: Can women over 40 have successful IVF?
Yes, but success rates decrease with age. Women over 40 may still become pregnant with IVF, and options like donor eggs can improve outcomes.

 

Q: What are the tips to improve the IVF success rate?
Below are some tips that can help improve IVF success rates:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Manage stress
• Follow medical guidance closely, and
• Choose a reputable fertility clinic with experienced specialists

 

Q: Is there an age limit for IVF?
There is no universal age limit, but fertility usually declines with age. Many clinics consider individual health, ovarian reserve, and egg quality rather than a strict age limit, though effectiveness reduces significantly after 40.