IVF Success Rates: Latest Statistics

Before discussing IVF success rates, it is important to note that the term “success rate” can be defined differently among clinics and hospitals. Some centers report the percentage of treatment cycles that result in pregnancy, while others report the percentage that result in a live birth. Pregnancy rates are generally higher than live-birth rates, as not all pregnancies ultimately result in a live birth. (1)

Factors Affecting IVF Success

IVF success rates can be influenced by a range of factors, with the most important including: (1)

The woman’s age.
The quality of the eggs and sperm.
The number of embryos transferred to the uterus.
The health of the uterus and the woman’s hormonal status.
Lifestyle factors, such as stress, body weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
The experience of the embryology laboratory and the techniques used.
The number of previous IVF treatment cycles.

IVF Success Rates: The Latest Statistics

The IVF success rate, measured by live births, is estimated at approximately 45–50% per embryo transfer for women under 35, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) 2024 statistics.. (2)

These figures represent a notable increase compared with the previous decade. This improvement is attributed to greater standardization of laboratory environments and the practice of freezing all embryos before transfer, allowing the uterus sufficient time to recover. (2)

There is no doubt that IVF success rates increase significantly with a greater number of treatment attempts and when the woman is younger than 35. These details are discussed below. (2)

IVF Success Rates by Maternal Age

A woman’s age is one of the most important factors affecting IVF success. The highest IVF success rates are generally seen among women under 35, after which success rates tend to decline with advancing age. The latest statistics for IVF success rates by age are as follows: (2)

Age group (years)	IVF success rate
Under 35	45-50%
35–37	35-42%
38–40	25-36%
41–42	12-28%
Over 42	1.3-22%

Cumulative Pregnancy Success With IVF

If IVF is not successful on the first attempt, this does not necessarily mean that subsequent treatment will be unsuccessful. In many cases, the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome increases with additional treatment cycles. Recent statistics suggest that cumulative success rates may rise substantially by the third attempt: (1)

First IVF attempt: 32% overall success rate.
Second IVF attempt: 55%.
Third IVF attempt: 65–70%.

For this reason, fertility and embryology specialists may consider multiple treatment cycles when developing an individualized IVF treatment plan. (2)

Our guide to embryo transfer explains what happens during this stage and how to prepare for it.

Why Can IVF Fail on the First Attempt?

The key question is: Why does IVF sometimes fail on the first attempt? In many cases, the first IVF cycle can reveal subtle factors that may not have been detected through routine medical examinations. These factors may include: (3)(4)

Subclinical uterine inflammation
Inflammation of the uterine lining may be present without causing any obvious symptoms. However, it may affect the immune environment of the uterus and make embryo implantation more difficult.
Reduced embryo development
In some cases, the number of developing embryos may decrease between Day 3 and Day 5.
High sperm DNA fragmentation
High sperm DNA fragmentation can occur even when sperm count and motility are normal. Increased DNA damage may affect embryo development and reduce the chances of successful implantation and treatment.

Learn more about the possible causes of IVF failure.

Tips to Improve IVF Success Rates

Couples are generally advised to adopt healthy lifestyle habits during the three months before undergoing IVF. These measures can help optimize overall health and may support reproductive health and treatment outcomes. Key recommendations include: (5)(6)

Follow a healthy, nutrient-rich diet
Eat a balanced diet that provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients. A healthy body weight is also recommended, with gradual weight loss considered when appropriate. Regular moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can further support overall health.
Limit caffeine intake
Generally – to no more than two cups per day (less than 200 mg from all sources).
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is recommended before and during fertility treatment. Smoking and alcohol consumption may adversely affect sperm quality, contribute to sperm DNA damage, and potentially reduce the likelihood of successful embryo implantation.
Get adequate, good-quality sleep
Aim for sufficient, regular sleep each night. Good sleep supports overall physical and emotional well-being and may help the body cope with the demands of fertility treatment.
Follow the recommended period of sexual abstinence
Couples may be advised to avoid ejaculation for approximately 3–4 days before sperm collection or the start of the IVF procedure. However, the recommended duration may vary, so couples should follow the specific instructions provided by their fertility clinic.
Manage stress and prioritize emotional well-being
Fertility treatment can be emotionally demanding. Relaxation techniques, gentle exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, and enjoyable activities may help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. Seeking emotional or professional support may also be beneficial when needed.
Minimize exposure to chemicals and heavy metals
Reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances in food packaging, cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care products, and consider choosing paraben-free products when possible.
Take folic acid supplements
Folic acid supplementation is recommended before conception and during pregnancy. It is essential for normal fetal development, particularly the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and helps support a healthy pregnancy.(7)