Improved ResultsThe Monash IVF success rates have continued to increase thanks to the dedicated and innovative work of our clinical, scientific and research team who focus on persistent improvements in processes and protocols.
Blastocyst Culture
Blastocyst transfers have become the treatment of choice for the majority of patients at Monash IVF clinics. A blastocyst is formed after a fertilised egg (embryo) is cultured in the laboratory for five days. Culturing embryos identifies those embryos that have the best chance of forming a pregnancy. Recent publications of local and international data consistently show that the average patient will conceive more quickly following a blastocyst embryo transfer.
Extending the culture of embryos to five days requires a considerable investment in technology and expertise, but our commitment aims to reduce the number of cycles required for the birth of a healthy baby.
In 2009, two in three patients had a blastocyst transfer five days after egg collection.
Single Blastocyst Transfers
As the pregnancy rate following blastocyst transfer results in a higher pregnancy rate, it is strongly recommended that only one embryo is transferred to reduce the chance of twins or triplets. For these reasons, the majority of the embryo transfers performed at Monash IVF are single blastocyst transfers.
The Monash IVF pregnancy rates for single embryo transfers are shown below.
Definition of Pregnancy: Monash IVF defines a pregnancy as evidence of a gestation sac on ultrasound scan at around 7 weeks' gestation and not just a positive blood test.
Will Your Treatment Be Successful?
Your IVF Specialist will advise you as to your specific treatment options, and will also explain to you your chances of success, taking into consideration your type of infertility, your age and your treatment. ART procedures have progressed rapidly since their development and so have the associated success rates, but generalised success rates can be misleading due to the individuality of each patient's situation. There are many hurdles to cross during treatment and it is wise to keep in mind that they all have to be successfully crossed to get to what we are all striving for - a baby to take home.
Talk to your IVF Specialist, IVF Nurse and Counsellor about these hurdles and your specific treatment, and ask as many questions as you need to. It is better to be well prepared than to have to deal with unexpected events during this important, and sometimes-difficult stage of your lives.
Success rates can be affected by many factors, including:
• Genetic factors
• Fertility history
• Age of the female partner
• Lifestyle factors including weight and smoking
• Conditions contributing to infertility
• Quality of eggs and number of eggs recovered
• Quality of sperm (including motility and ability to penetrate the egg)
• Quality control in the laboratories; and
• Skill and competence of the treatment team
Although ART offers important options for the treatment of fertility problems, the decision to use ART involves many factors in addition to success rates. Going through repeated ART cycles requires substantial commitments of time, effort, money, and emotional energy. Therefore, you should carefully examine all related financial, psychological and medical issues, before beginning treatment. You may also wish to consider the location of the clinic, the counselling and support services available, and the rapport that staff have with their patients.
The Age Factor
The age of the female partner is the most significant factor in treatment cycle success.
In a stimulated IVF treatment cycle, injections of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) are used to stimulate follicular growth and the development of eggs. As female age increases, the average number of follicles (eggs) produced decreases and it is more likely that treatment may be cancelled due to a poor ovarian response.
The Pregnancy and Birth Rates for IVF procedures decrease with female age as shown below
The pregnancy and birth rates for patients having routine IVF treatment decrease quite significantly from around 35 years of age. The results presented above are the national results (January 2006 – December 2008) for the Monash IVF Group (11,369 transfers).
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