In vitro fertilization (IVF) has opened the door to parenthood for millions of families. But when you’re considering IVF, one of the most common questions is: What are my chances of success?

The answer depends on several factors, especially age and number of cycles attempted.

Success Rates Per Individual IVF Cycle

Most U.S. national data, compiled through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) partners like Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), measure success in terms of live birth per IVF cycle started. Live birth rates reflect the percentage of all IVF cycles begun that lead to at least one baby born.

These outcomes vary widely by age, as younger women tend to have higher success per cycle, and as age increases, egg quality and quantity decline, lowering per-cycle live birth rates. For example, national data shows that patients under age 35 have a live birth rate of roughly 50% per IVF cycle, while success rates decline with age, dropping to around 10-15% by the early 40s.

Although exact ASRM/SART numbers are updated annually, historical summaries provide a useful snapshot of this trend. You can find detailed, up to date IVF success rate data by age and cycle on the SART and ASRM websites:
https://www.sart.org/patients/a-patients-guide-to-assisted-reproductive-technology/general-information/success-rates/
https://www.asrm.org/

Why Success Keeps Rising Over Multiple Cycles?

One IVF cycle includes one egg retrieval and all embryo transfers from that retrieval (fresh and frozen). But many patients undergo multiple cycles to increase their overall chance of having a baby.

Registry analyses, including linked cycle reports from national data systems, show that cumulative success improves repeated attempts. After one cycle, overall live birth rates may be modest. After two to three cycles, cumulative live birth rates rise substantially. Some research suggests that the cumulative likelihood of success may approach 50% or higher after three or more cycles for many patients, depending on age and other factors.

What This means for Your IVF Journey?

Don’t focus only on your first cycle! Especially for women over 35, success rates per individual cycle are lower. The chance of getting pregnant after several cycles often improves.

Most importantly, personal factors matter. Age, ovarian reserve, health conditions, and embryo quality all influence success. Your individual chances are best discussed with your reproductive endocrinologist.

If you are considering IVF, you can meet with one of our fertility experts at Beverly Hills Fertility to learn more about your personalized treatment options and chances of success.