Age is important, not a verdict
Egg number and chromosome health tend to change with age, so the probability of creating a transferable embryo may decline. Individual results still vary widely, and ovarian-reserve tests do not measure egg quality or guarantee an outcome.
If donor eggs are used, the age of the egg provider is usually more relevant to embryo potential than the age of the person carrying the pregnancy.
Ask what “success” means
A positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy and live birth are different outcomes. Results may also be quoted per embryo transfer, per egg collection or per patient starting treatment. Those denominators can produce very different percentages.
- Prefer live-birth information where it is available
- Ask whether the result is per transfer or per cycle started
- Request a group relevant to your age and treatment type
- Ask whether cancelled cycles and frozen transfers are included
Your estimate needs context
A clinician may consider previous pregnancies or IVF cycles, ovarian reserve, uterine findings, the cause and duration of infertility, sperm parameters, medical conditions and whether eggs, sperm or embryos are donated.
No clinic can responsibly guarantee pregnancy or a live birth. An honest conversation should include uncertainty and what would be reviewed if treatment is unsuccessful.
How to compare clinics
Do not assume the clinic with the highest public number is automatically best for you. Patient selection, transfer policy and reporting methods can affect published rates.
Ask how the clinic prevents multiple pregnancy, how its laboratory monitors quality, and how it will calculate a personalised—not promotional—estimate.