Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process. In the average fertile couple, the probability of fertilization for any particular exposure of the egg to sperm may be approximately 80%, but by the time of the first expected menstrual period after ovulation approximately one-half of the early embryos have already failed to develop. Many of these lost embryos were fundamentally abnormal and were incapable of survival. The menstrual period may not even be delayed and the couple may not even realize that an early pregnancy has been lost. If a menstrual period is missed, approximately one-fourth of the remaining embryos may still die later. The probability of a live birth after any one exposure in a normally fertile couple, therefore, is generally no higher than 30%.
Other studies have calculated the probability of pregnancy among population groups who do not use contraception. In clinical studies of this kind, the probability of a live birth after exposure in any one month is generally about 20%. From a practical point of view, therefore, the expectancy of a continuing pregnancy which will result in birth of a child after any one exposed cycle with intercourse in the typical young fertile couple with one-egg-ovulation is somewhere in the range of 20-30%.
The Expectation of Success by Various ART Procedures:
The results in terms of pregnancy rate per treatment cycle vary considerably between clinics and the evaluation of results is difficult because of the heterogenecityof the patient population and the different protocols used.
Average pregnancy rates in an:
IUI cycle are:
15 - 30% per patient cycle.
10 - 15% per cycle
IVF / ICSI pregnancy rate per cycle is 30%. It is unlikely that the rate of establishing a pregnancy from each egg by fertilization and development in vitro followed by embryo transfer can improve on the rate of normal reproduction. Therefore, the theoretical maximum success per egg in any one cycle is likely to be in the 20-30$ range. Please bear in mind, however, that average patient statistics can be highly misleading and we shall attempt to define for you as an individual couple our best estimates of your likelihood of success through IVF / ICSI.
Successful conception and child birth for any specific couple cannot be guaranteed by any IVF program even if the couple undergoes multiple attempts. The probability of success depends on many factors including patient age, the cause of infertility and the talent and experience of the IVF team. No center can guarantee results, but we try to minimize the stress by offering all facilities under one roof.
Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process. In the average fertile couple, the probability of fertilization for any particular exposure of the egg to sperm may be approximately 80%, but by the time of the first expected menstrual period after ovulation approximately one-half of the early embryos have already failed to develop. Many of these lost embryos were fundamentally abnormal and were incapable of survival. The menstrual period may not even be delayed and the couple may not even realize that an early pregnancy has been lost. If a menstrual period is missed, approximately one-fourth of the remaining embryos may still die later. The probability of a live birth after any one exposure in a normally fertile couple, therefore, is generally no higher than 30%.
