IVF treatment continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of couples who dream of having a child. Yet the success rate of this complex process is shaped by the combination of many different factors. Just as every couple's story is different, so too are the responses to treatment and the results achieved — they are unique to each person. As Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan, with more than 30 years of experience, we work at Ankara IVF Center to offer our couples the highest possible chance of IVF success. So what are the 10 most influential factors affecting the IVF success rate?
Age and Ovarian Reserve
1. The Woman's Age
A woman's age is among the most critical factors influencing success in IVF treatment. Women are born with a certain ovarian reserve, and as age advances this reserve declines in both quantity and quality. A marked decrease in egg quality begins especially after the age of 35, and after 40 success rates fall considerably. The greater likelihood that eggs obtained at a younger age are genetically healthier directly increases embryo quality and, consequently, the chance of pregnancy.
2. Ovarian Reserve and Egg Quality
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of usable eggs remaining in a woman's ovaries. It is determined through tests such as the AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) level, the FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) level and the antral follicle count. Having an adequate, good-quality ovarian reserve makes it possible to obtain a greater number of high-quality eggs after stimulation. This in turn provides more options for embryo development and has a positive effect on the IVF success rate. For women with a low ovarian reserve or in an advanced age group, options such as egg freezing may be considered in order to preserve future chances of pregnancy.
Embryo Quality and the Laboratory
3. Embryo Quality
The quality of the embryos that develop after fertilisation directly determines the outcome of IVF treatment. Embryo quality is assessed by embryologists according to morphological characteristics such as cell number, the symmetry of the cells, the degree of fragmentation and the rate of development. The best-quality embryos have a higher likelihood of implanting in the uterus and establishing a healthy pregnancy. Both egg quality and sperm quality are of great importance in obtaining high-quality embryos.
4. Laboratory Technology and Embryologist Experience
The heart of IVF treatment is the embryology laboratory. The laboratory's technological infrastructure, its air quality, the stability of its incubators and the quality of the culture media used are of vital importance for embryo development. Another factor that is at least as important is the experience and expertise of the embryology team. Experienced embryologists carry out the most delicate procedures at every stage, from egg collection to embryo transfer, evaluate the embryos correctly and provide all the conditions required for optimal development. The application of advanced techniques such as microinjection (ICSI) is also part of this expertise.
5. Genetic Screening (PGT)
Particularly in couples with advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss or previous unsuccessful IVF attempts, genetic screening of the embryos before they are transferred to the uterus (PGT — Preimplantation Genetic Testing) may be recommended. PGT makes it possible to select genetically healthy embryos, thereby increasing the chance of pregnancy while reducing the risk of miscarriage and minimising the risk of having a baby with a genetic disorder. By enabling the transfer of a healthy embryo through genetic diagnosis, this method helps to raise the IVF success rate.
Uterine Health
6. The Thickness and Structure of the Uterine Lining (Endometrium)
For an embryo to implant in the uterus, the uterine lining (endometrium) must have a suitable thickness and structure. Ideally, at the time of embryo transfer the endometrium is expected to be sufficiently thick (according to current evidence, 7 mm and above is adequate for most patients; 8 mm is a practical value that is frequently targeted) and to have a triple-line appearance. A thin endometrium, adhesions or other structural abnormalities can reduce the embryo's chance of implanting.
7. Uterine Anomalies and Other Gynaecological Conditions
Conditions such as congenital structural abnormalities of the uterus (septum, bicornuate uterus and so on), fibroids, polyps, intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome) or hydrosalpinx (fluid accumulation in the tubes) may prevent the embryo from implanting in the uterus or adversely affect the continuation of the pregnancy. Treating such conditions with surgical methods such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy is of vital importance for the success of IVF treatment.
Lifestyle Factors
8. Nutrition and Weight Management
A healthy, balanced diet supports reproductive health in both women and men. Being significantly overweight (obesity) or excessively underweight can disrupt hormonal balance and adversely affect egg and sperm quality. Having an ideal body mass index (BMI) is an important step towards the success of IVF treatment. Supplements such as folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3, together with a diet rich in antioxidants, may be recommended.
9. Stress Management, Smoking and Alcohol Use
The negative effects of chronic stress on reproductive hormones are well known. Methods such as stress management techniques, yoga, meditation or counselling can help make the treatment process easier to go through. Smoking and alcohol use, meanwhile, seriously jeopardise reproductive health in both women and men. Smoking lowers egg and sperm quality, impairs fertilisation and increases the risk of miscarriage. Alcohol has similarly harmful effects. Staying away from these substances significantly increases the chance of IVF success.
Choosing the Right Centre
10. An Experienced Team and a Personalised Treatment Approach
IVF treatment is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach. A team of expert, experienced physicians, an embryology team, nurses and support staff all play a major role in the success of treatment. Because every couple's situation is unique, creating individually tailored treatment plans rather than adhering to standard protocols improves success. A detailed preliminary assessment, an accurate diagnosis and the application of the most up-to-date treatment methods directly affect the IVF success rate. As Ankara IVF Center, with the expert team established by Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan, we use the most advanced technologies and offer each of our couples a personalised course of treatment, standing by you throughout the IVF process. At our Ankara IVF centre, which provides care above the standards of a Turkish IVF centre, we make every possible effort to help our couples reach their dreams.
IVF treatment is a journey shaped by the coming together of many factors, one that calls for hope and patience. The 10 important factors described above are the fundamental elements that directly affect the success rate. It should not be forgotten, however, that every individual's situation is different, and that the most accurate information should always be obtained from a physician who is an expert in the field. Remember: with the right centre and the right approach, achieving success in IVF treatment is possible.
To have us at your side on your journey towards having a child and to review the treatment options best suited to you, you can contact our Ankara IVF Center and arrange a free preliminary consultation appointment with Prof. Dr. Kubilay Vicdan. Take one more step towards your dreams!