Have you made the decision to undergo in vitro fertilization? If so, perhaps the first question you’ve asked is “what are the IVF statistics”? After all, in vitro fertilization statistics can vary, and it’s important to be armed with all the facts.
IVF statistics and live birth rates
Based on the latest information from the CDC’s National Report of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), the IVF statistics that resulted in live births in 2007 reveal the following:
- 40 percent of women under age 35 gave birth after an IVF cycle
- 30.5 percent of women ages 35-37 gave birth after an IVF cycle
- 21 percent of women ages 38-40 gave birth after an IVF cycle
- 11.5 percent of women ages 41-42 gave birth after an IVF cycle
IVF statistics represent one IVF cycle
IVF statistics do not report on how many women got pregnant during their first IVF cycle. Rather, the CDC’s in vitro fertilization statistics show how many women got pregnant during one IVF cycle. There is no way of knowing whether it was their first, second or third cycle (or more).
Although many pregnancies are established in the first IVF cycle, the chance of getting pregnant appears to be equal with each cycle through the first four attempts.
Also, the in vitro fertilization statistics reveal that the average couple will undergo 2 to 3 IVF attempts before either a successful pregnancy occurs or they abandon therapy altogether.
The good news is once you get pregnant with IVF, your pregnancy is no different from a pregnancy established without fertility therapy and is not considered high risk.
IVF statistics bring new hope
As the IVF statistics reveal, in vitro fertilization is quite effective, sometimes more effective than achieving pregnancy through unprotected intercourse. In fact, for couples that have previously diagnosed issues like blocked or absent tubes, endometriosis, or low sperm counts, in vitro fertilization statistics repeatedly show increased success in managing these causes of infertility and increasing the couple’s chances of conceiving.
IVF statistics using donor eggs
If you are unable or unlikely to conceive using your own eggs, donor eggs provide a high probability of having a baby. The use of donor eggs occurs in approximately 10 percent of all ART cycles.
In addition, age is an irrelevant factor when using donor eggs. There is approximately a 55 percent live birth rate when using fresh embryos from donor eggs. When using frozen embryos, IVF statistics show the live birth rate is about 32 percent.
Is there an increased risk of birth defects with IVF?
No, there does not seem to be an increased risk for birth defects in children conceived through IVF. In general, the 3-5 percent risk of birth defects with IVF statistics holds for both naturally conceived children and IVF children.
What about miscarriage and IVF?
The miscarriage rate does not seem to be significantly higher for those using IVF. In vitro fertilization statistics reveal the miscarriage rate does seem to increase with older mothers, just as in the general population. This rate is approximately 15 percent for 20-year-old women and over 50 percent for women over 40.
What are IVF statistics on risks from IVF?
Approximately 30 percent of patients undergoing ovarian stimulation in preparation for IVF experience a mild case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). With OHSS, the ovaries become extremely swollen and painful from the stimulation. In addition, there is approximately a 5 percent chance of ectopic pregnancy with IVF.
Talk with your fertility specialist
No matter what the latest in vitro fertilization statistics reveal, remind yourself that you and your partner are unique individuals. You can make an appointment to talk with your fertility specialist and learn all about your situation and IVF.
Discuss openly IVF statistics, what might work best for you and what the chances are for getting pregnant, depending on your age and unique fertility history.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Report: National Summary. American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A guide for patients . American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Patient Fact Sheet: Risks of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
