26.03.2026
Deciding to begin an IVF journey is a significant step — and one of the first questions almost every couple asks is: What are our chances of success? There is no universal percentage, because many factors influence the outcome — from age and hormonal balance to sperm and embryo quality, as well as the expertise of the IVF centre itself. The good news is that many of these variables can be favorably influenced through proper diagnostics, specialist guidance, and taking good care of your overall health.
This article will guide you through the most important factors and help you understand what to focus on to make your journey toward parenthood as successful as possible.
What are our chances of success?
There is no single answer. IVF success depends on several key factors — some are beyond our control, but many can be positively influenced. The good news is that the right diagnostic approach and personalized treatment plan can significantly improve those odds.
1. Woman’s age
Age is one of the most crucial factors, directly affecting both the quality and quantity of available eggs:
- up to 35 years: higher likelihood of success
- 35 – 40 years: gradual decline
- over 40: more pronounced decrease in success rates
As age increases, egg quality declines, which has a direct impact on embryo development.
2. Ovarian reserve
Ovarian reserve indicates how many eggs a woman has available at a given time. It is assessed through:
- blood test measuring AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
- ultrasound examination evaluating AFC (Antral Follicle Count)
A lower ovarian reserve does not mean there is no chance of success — but it does help us set the right strategy early and tailor treatment to the patient’s overall health.
3. Sperm quality
Success in IVF is not solely dependent on the woman. The male partner contributes significantly, and many men can improve the condition of their reproductive cells with healthy lifestyle changes. We assess male fertility through a semen analysis, which examines:
- sperm count
- motility
- morphology (shape)
- DNA integrity
Even with reduced parameters, today’s laboratory methods — such as ICSI — can greatly improve the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
4. Embryo quality
An embryo forms when a mature egg and a selected sperm cell are fertilized in vitro. Modern laboratories today:
- monitor embryo development in real time (Time‑Lapse monitoring)
- carefully select embryos with the highest potential
- perform pre‑implantation genetic testing
- freeze and safely store remaining embryos for future use
We cannot perform miracles — but rapid progress in reproductive medicine and embryology allows clinicians to meaningfully increase the chances of a healthy baby and reduce the transmission of genetic mutations.
5. Hormonal balance
Hormones drive the entire reproductive process — and clinicians use them to guide treatment. We regularly monitor:
- FSH and LH (key gonadotropins regulating ovarian activity)
- progesterone and estrogen
- thyroid function
Even minor hormonal imbalances can affect the cycle or embryo implantation. With a properly tailored stimulation protocol, your physician can manage these fluctuations and adjust treatment to your individual needs.
6. Woman’s overall health
General health can influence the entire IVF process. That’s why a thorough diagnostic assessment focuses on identifying conditions such as:
- endometriosis
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- endometrial dysfunction
- immunological factors
If we discover issues that may have prevented conception, these must be treated first to ensure the best possible conditions for embryo transfer and implantation.
7. Lifestyle
A highly underestimated yet essential factor. Common lifestyle‑related obstacles can often be improved with targeted support from specialists:
- lack of sleep
- chronic stress
- overweight or obesity
- smoking or vaping
- alcohol consumption
Even small changes can have a surprisingly powerful effect. Be your own advocate and don’t underestimate the importance of caring for your physical and mental well‑being.
8. Quality of the IVF centre
Choosing the right clinic matters more than many couples realize. We recommend looking into:
- the clinic’s success rates and the experience of its medical team
- the quality of its laboratory facilities and technology
- a modern, comfortable environment
- a personalized approach to each couple
What can you influence?
Your timing, open communication with your partner, and choosing the priorities that matter most to you.These elements often determine the success not only of the treatment itself but also of the journey leading up to it. Assisted reproduction is a team effort — and you are at the centre of it. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Review our IVF factor checklist and see where you currently stand.
And of course — our doctors are happy to discuss everything with you during a non‑binding consultation.
