IVF success rates need context—not a headline

A rate calculated per embryo transfer excludes cycles that did not reach transfer. A rate per egg retrieval includes a wider group, while a rate per cycle started includes people whose cycle was cancelled before retrieval. These denominators can produce very different-looking percentages from the same group of patients.

The outcome also matters. A positive pregnancy test is earlier than an ultrasound-confirmed clinical pregnancy, and neither is the same as live birth. Multiple-pregnancy rates, miscarriage and safety outcomes provide additional context.

• Is the outcome a positive test, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy or live birth?
• Is the denominator cycle started, egg retrieval, embryo transfer or individual patient?
• Does the figure describe fresh transfers, frozen transfers or both?
• Are multiple transfers from one retrieval counted separately?
• Which dates and how many cases are included?

Ask for results relevant to your age group, egg source and treatment type, with the denominator and time period stated. Understand whether donor cycles, embryo testing or selected frozen transfers are reported separately.

• How does the clinic counsel people whose cycle may not reach retrieval or transfer?
• What is the single-embryo transfer approach and how are multiple-pregnancy risks discussed?
• How are cancelled cycles, miscarriages and follow-up losses handled in reporting?
• Are results audited or reported to the appropriate ART authority?
• Will the specialist discuss an individual prognosis without using certainty language?