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Although statistics can be confusing, it is very helpful for patients to know the actual statistics for the IVF program through which they will be treated. Generally, statistics for IVF success are based upon 3 factors: (1). age of the female partner (2). whether she is using her own or donor eggs (3). whether she is using fresh or frozen embryos. The statistics should give a numerator (i.e. number of actual deliveries) as well as a denominator (i.e. number of egg retrievals or in the cases of frozen or donor egg cycles, number of embryo transfers). The numbers should also reflect all cases performed within the stated time period. This will give an overall percentage, which can help guide a patient in determining her actual chances for conception in a particular IVF program. Although pregnancy rates are important, the most important statistic to examine is the Delivery Rate, which tells the patient what her chances are to actually take home a baby.
This table lists our Delivery Rates with IVF from 1998-2007. For example, when the age of the female partner was less than 35, the delivery rate per egg retrieval was 41.1% using her own eggs. For patients using donor eggs, the delivery rate per embryo transfer was 45.5%. It is important to realize that some programs may only treat patients with the most optimal chance to conceive, turning away patients with significant infertility problems, or who have failed previous cycles. At the Center for Reproductive Health, it is our policy to provide treatment for even the most difficult cases.
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