IVF success rates can be difficult to compare because clinics and reporting bodies may measure different outcomes. A percentage is meaningful only when you know what outcome is counted, which patients are included, the denominator and the reporting period.
Different ways success can be measured
- Positive pregnancy test: A biochemical indication of pregnancy; it does not establish an ongoing pregnancy or live birth.
- Clinical pregnancy: Pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound according to the reporting definition used.
- Ongoing pregnancy: Pregnancy continuing beyond a specified gestational point.
- Live birth: Delivery of a live-born infant, reported according to the relevant dataset’s definition.
Check the denominator
Ask whether the rate is per cycle started, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, patient or cumulative treatment course. These measures are not interchangeable. A rate per embryo transfer excludes cycles that did not reach transfer, so it may look different from a rate per cycle started.
Age and treatment type matter
Age at the relevant treatment event, use of own or donor eggs, diagnosis, embryo stage and other clinical factors can affect outcomes. Compare the same age bands and treatment categories wherever possible. Donor-egg outcomes should not be presented as directly equivalent to own-egg outcomes.
How to assess BFC’s published figures
When reviewing BFC’s outcome data, ask the clinic for the reporting period, number of cycles or transfers, outcome definition, denominator, age grouping and whether results are separated by own eggs and donor eggs. Consult the clinic’s current success-rate information and ask the medical team to explain how the figures apply to your circumstances.
Questions to ask any clinic
- Is this a live-birth rate or a pregnancy rate?
- Is it calculated per cycle started, retrieval or transfer?
- What period does the data cover and how many cases are included?
- Are own-egg and donor-egg outcomes reported separately?
- Are cancelled cycles included?
- Are the results independently audited or reported to a national registry?
No published success rate can predict an individual’s outcome. Ask a qualified fertility specialist to interpret the evidence in light of your age, diagnosis and medical history.
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Review the clinic's current services and speak directly with the clinical team about your individual circumstances.
Visit Barbados Fertility CentreThis page is educational. Treatment suitability, risks and expected outcomes must be discussed with a qualified clinician.