In medical terms, IVF is known as “in vitro fertilization.” Every couple wants their IVF treatment to be successful on the first attempt. IVF treatment is not always successful on the first try for every couple. Because it depends on several factors, such as the age of the couple, the quality of the eggs, the quality of the sperm, the thickness of the endometrium, and overall health.
IVF success rate in first attempt
- Under 35 years old: 40%
- Under 35 to 37 years old: 31.5%
- Age between 38-40 years old: 19.9%
- Age between 41-42 years old: 9.7%
- Above 45 years old: below 5%
The above success rate in percentage depends on a lot of factors. Our guide below will help you make IVF a success the first time around by covering all the factors.
How to Make IVF Successful the First Time?
Here are some steps mentioned to increase the chances of a successful first IVF cycle; read them carefully before deciding on the treatment.
- Choose an experienced and reputable fertility clinic
- Follow the recommendations of the fertility specialist
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Optimize timing for egg retrieval and embryo transfer
- Take medications as prescribed
- Quit smoking
- Abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages
- Manage your stress
- Consider using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
9 factors that can impact the success of an IVF cycle
1. Age of the woman undergoing treatment
Getting pregnant after 30 is difficult because people’s fecundity slowly declines after that age. Women who are older are more likely to develop health conditions that affect their fertility, such as uterine fibroids, sexually transmitted diseases, and endometriosis.
2. Quality and quantity of eggs
The quality of your eggs also gets affected with age, so it is very important that you have a sufficient quantity and quality of eggs after you have been aging.
- Patients who have up to four eggs are low responders.
- Patients who have five to nine eggs are suboptimal responders.
- Patients who have nine to fifteen eggs are normal responders.
- Patients who have fifteen to twenty eggs are okay in this region.
The number of eggs needed for one IVF cycle is between 13 and 15. As with having more embryos, you will probably be able to have more children in the future.
3. Quality of the sperm
Semen analysis is the most important test to check the quality of sperm. IVF requires at least 10 x 10(6) sperm/mL, of which 30% must be motile and 15% must be progressive.
4. Endometrial lining thickness
The goal of IVF is to achieve pregnancy through two important steps. First, you need good-quality embryos that can give life, and second, you need the place where that embryo will rest—your uterus. Even if you have the highest-quality embryos available, achieving a normal individual pregnancy is extremely difficult. This is why the thickness of the endometrial lining is so important.
5. Hematological factors
- Hereditary Thrombophilias
- Factor V Leiden
- F II Mutation
- MTHFR Mutation
- Protein C/S Deficiency
- Antithrombin III Deficiency
6. Immunological factor
The immune system is also involved in the formation of eggs. If there is an issue with an autoimmune disease, that will affect the formation of the eggs.
7. Lifestyle factors (e.g. diet, exercise, body mass index, stress)
Having a poor diet, not exercising regularly, having a high body mass index, and being under stress also affect the success rate of IVF. You can ask your healthcare provider to structure your diet plan. Do exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. If you are overweight, keep your BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2, and absolutely manage your stress.
8. Previous fertility treatments or surgeries
Previous fertility treatments or surgeries can also affect your IVF treatment success rate.
9. Good IVF laboratory
Another important factor is a good IVF laboratory, and couples frequently make mistakes in this area. A good IVF lab with the latest technology and experienced embryologists can provide a better quality of embryo safety for all procedures.
Successful tips for IVF for men
The success rate of IVF depends equally on men and women, which is why men need to follow some of these guidelines as well.
- Losing weight: If you are overweight, weight loss is beneficial for you. Losing weight helps increase your sperm count, testosterone, and libido.
- Quit smoking: Fertility is higher in smokers than in non-smokers. It would be best if you quit smoking, at least until your partner gets pregnant through IVF, if completely stopping will benefit your overall health.
- Take a break from cycling: Cycling more than 12 hours per week affects your testes, so don’t cycle too much.
- Avoid certain activities: Hot water while bathing, avoid a steam bath, leave lubricant on during sex, and do not keep a laptop on your lap—stay away from such activities.
- Ask Your Doctor for a Supplement: The doctor may suggest vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E; zinc; CoQ10; selenium; ashwagandha; shilajit; and Omega 3 fatty acids as per your sperm health.
Conclusion
As you already know, several factors determine the success of IVF. Taking the right steps and being proactive can increase your chances of a successful first IVF cycle. Never lose hope, always think positively, and listen to your doctor if you don’t get pregnant in your first cycle.