One in two women aged under 35 will achieve success

Headlines from today's media cover on the National Perinatal Statistics Unit annual report regarding success rates for Australian IVF Clinics.

This report for the first time contains data with regard to cumulative pregnancy rates. It reports one in two women under 35 will achieve success, a baby if they persevere with assisted fertility treatment.

These results demonstrate that Australian infertility clinics continue to offer real hope to the one in six Australian couples who need fertility assistance. Australian clinics continue to lead the way – having the lowest rates of multiple birth deliveries in the world following IVF treatment because we continue to recommend the transfer of a single embryo.

“Our commitment to excellence both clinically and in the laboratory means the quality of embryos developed results in excellent pregnancy and birth rates for our patients at Melbourne IVF," said Dr Lyndon Hale, Medical Director of Melbourne IVF.

Whilst the national aggregated data demonstrates cumulative success rates increase up to five cycles the report indicates that 70 per cent of patients within the cohorts reported have had two or less cycles of treatment. This highlights the value of perseverance with assisted fertility treatment so as to maximise your chances at success.

The report also indicates that less than ten per cent of patients had five or more cycles of treatment in the time frame studied. It is anticipated that those cumulative pregnancy rates will increase as more patients complete additional cycles. This also indicates that most patients are either pregnant or have decided to stop treatment before that point. However, there are women who make an informed choice in consultation with their fertility specialist to continue treatment and some do achieve their goal of having a child.

"A multitude of factors will affect the decision of whether to continue treatment and this decision is best made in consultation with your fertility specialist after review of your personal circumstances and an individual assessment of your chances to conceive" he explained.

The key is to consult a fertility specialist at one of our leading clinics about your individual chances of success and make an informed decision.