IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

On average, 2-3 cycles are needed before conception. For women under 35, the live birth rate per cycle is about 55%, dropping to 30-35% at ages 35-37, 20-25% at 38-40, and 10-15% or less over 40. Cumulative success rates improve significantly with multiple attempts.

Fresh transfer implants embryos during the same cycle as egg retrieval, while frozen embryo transfer (FET) stores embryos and transfers them later. Research shows FET often matches or exceeds fresh transfer success rates because the uterus has time to recover from stimulation hormones and return to a more natural, receptive state.

Your specialist will review the failed cycle — analyzing ovarian response, egg quality, fertilization rates, and embryo development — to adjust the protocol. Typical wait time between cycles is 4-6 weeks. Adjustments may include different stimulation medications, adding preimplantation genetic testing, or switching to frozen transfer.

The decline accelerates after 37, with a sharp drop after 40 — per-cycle live birth rates fall to 10-15% at ages 40-42 and below 5% after 43. Women over 40 may need 4-6+ cycles and are more likely to be recommended genetic testing of embryos. Using donor eggs largely eliminates the age-related decline.

Compare clinics by their published live birth rates per embryo transfer (not just pregnancy rates), the availability of genetic testing (PGT-A/PGT-M), embryologist qualifications, lab accreditation, and the clinic's experience with international patients. Check if they offer virtual consultations before you travel and whether they coordinate with your home fertility doctor for medication monitoring and follow-up.