You want a straight answer to a hard question: what are the odds of getting pregnant with IVF? The honest answer is that it depends-mainly on age, diagnosis, embryo quality, and how many attempts you make. There isn’t a single number that fits everyone. But there are reliable ranges and simple ways to estimate your personal odds using current data.

Here’s what the latest evidence says in 2025: younger eggs help most, the lab matters, and cumulative odds rise sharply over multiple cycles. You can tilt the odds with smart choices-like treating a hydrosalpinx, transferring one high‑quality blastocyst at a time, and picking a clinic that’s strong for your age group.

TL;DR

• Per embryo transfer, live‑birth odds range roughly from ~40% for under‑35s to under 5-10% after 43 with own eggs (UK HFEA; US CDC ART).
• Over multiple cycles, cumulative odds climb. Under‑35s can reach ~60-70% by three cycles; over‑40s rise too, but less steeply (BMJ 2016; NICE).
• Biggest drivers: female age, embryo quality/euploidy, diagnosis (e.g., tubal vs. diminished ovarian reserve), uterine factors, and lab quality.
• Do the basics: treat hydrosalpinx, optimise thyroid/Vit D, stop smoking, aim for a healthy BMI, transfer single blastocysts, choose a good lab.
• Donor eggs largely reset age‑related odds, often >40-50% per transfer in many programs; consider if own‑egg odds are very low after 41-43.

What “odds” means in IVF (and how clinics measure it)

When people say “IVF success,” they often mix up different metrics. A clinic might quote a high percentage, but what exactly is it measuring? Here are the common yardsticks you’ll see:

• Per cycle started: You begin stimulation, regardless of whether you reach egg retrieval or transfer.
• Per egg retrieval: You had eggs collected.
• Per embryo transfer: You had an embryo put back-usually a blastocyst on day 5-7.
• Pregnancy rate: Positive test or clinical pregnancy with heartbeat.
• Live birth rate: Baby born-this is the metric that matters most.

Why it matters: per transfer numbers are usually the highest because they exclude cycles that never produce a transfer. Per cycle started is more conservative. Live birth is lower than pregnancy because not all pregnancies continue to birth.

Another big difference is the source of the eggs:

• Own eggs: Strongly age‑dependent.
• Donor eggs: Donor’s age drives the odds; recipient age matters less unless there’s a uterine issue.

Finally, how many embryos you transfer per attempt makes a huge difference to both odds and risks. Single embryo transfer (SET) keeps multiples low and is recommended in most cases. Double embryo transfer bumps pregnancy odds per transfer but also multiplies the risk of twins and complications. Most regulators and guidelines recommend SET for safety.

How to estimate your personal odds in 5 steps:

1. Find your base live‑birth rate by age and metric (ideally per transfer) from a regulator like HFEA (UK) or CDC (US).
2. Adjust for embryo quality: top‑grade blastocyst vs. average vs. day‑3 embryo. Blastocysts outperform day‑3 embryos.
3. Check diagnosis factors: hydrosalpinx (untreated) lowers odds; severe endometrium issues lower odds; tubal factor with good ovarian reserve is more favourable than diminished ovarian reserve.
4. Clinic effect: high lab standards raise odds. Look at outcomes for patients your age, not just the clinic average.
5. Think cumulative: multiply chances over 2-3 transfers/cycles. Odds add up across attempts.

Simple rule‑of‑thumb multipliers (ballpark, not a guarantee):

• Top‑quality blastocyst vs. average blastocyst: x1.1-1.2.
• Day‑3 embryo vs. blastocyst: x0.6-0.8.
• Untreated hydrosalpinx: x0.5 (treat it and the multiplier resets).
• Clinic with strong lab and high SET success for your age: x1.1-1.2.
• Smoking or BMI >35: x0.7-0.9 (improves with cessation/weight optimisation).

Example: A 34‑year‑old using own eggs with a top‑grade blastocyst at a strong lab might see per‑transfer live‑birth odds around 40-50%. If she has two transfers of similar quality, her cumulative chance could exceed 60%.

Latest IVF success rates by age and cycle count (UK 2021-2025 data)

Regulators update success data yearly. As of 2025, these patterns hold steady across UK and US reports.

UK (HFEA) live‑birth rates per embryo transfer (own eggs):

• Under 35: roughly 35-45% per transfer
• 35-37: roughly 30-40% per transfer
• 38-39: roughly 20-30% per transfer
• 40-42: roughly 10-20% per transfer
• 43+: often under 5-10% per transfer

US (CDC ART) live‑birth per retrieval shows a similar age curve, though absolute numbers vary by metric (per retrieval vs per transfer). Under‑35s often see >40% per retrieval; >42s often below 5-10%.

The numbers above are broad ranges because exact rates shift by clinic, lab, and patient mix. Still, the age gradient is consistent. Two helpful patterns:

• Frozen transfers (FETs) now match or beat fresh transfers in many clinics because embryos are screened by survival to blastocyst and the uterus can be better timed.
• Single blastocyst transfer is standard for safety; twin rates are far lower than a decade ago with only a small change in per‑transfer odds when good embryos are available.

Cumulative success across multiple cycles is the other big lever. Both UK and international data show that doing more than one cycle significantly raises the chance of at least one live birth.

Sources and context:

• HFEA (UK regulator) publishes clinic‑level outcomes; age‑stratified live‑birth per transfer follows the ranges above in 2021-2023 publications.
• CDC ART (US) shows comparable age declines per retrieval; per transfer figures are higher because they exclude cycles without transfer.
• BMJ (2016, McLernon et al.) modelled cumulative success across repeated cycles; under‑35s approached two‑thirds live birth by the sixth cycle, with diminishing returns after each round.
• NICE (UK guidance) supports up to three cycles for appropriate patients because cumulative success justifies it clinically and economically.

Donor eggs: Using donor eggs (often age 21-32) resets egg‑quality odds, so per‑transfer live‑birth rates typically exceed 40-50% in many programmes, with less variation by recipient age if the uterus is healthy.

Fresh vs frozen: In modern labs, frozen‑thawed blastocyst transfers perform at least as well as fresh for most. Frozen cycles also lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation in some patients.

What moves your odds up or down

Age drives egg quality, but several levers matter. Here’s what shifts probabilities, backed by data and clinical experience.

• Female age and euploidy: The share of chromosomally normal embryos falls with age, cutting implantation and live‑birth odds. Under‑35s make more euploid embryos; after 38, the curve steepens.
• Ovarian reserve: AMH and AFC predict how many eggs you might get, not the quality. Low reserve means fewer embryos to choose from, lowering the chance of having at least one euploid embryo per cycle.
• Embryo stage/quality: Blastocyst transfers outperform day‑3 transfers because embryos that reach day 5-6 have shown better developmental potential. Grading helps but is only a proxy for genetics.
• PGT‑A (genetic testing): Can reduce miscarriage and time to pregnancy in specific groups (e.g., recurrent miscarriage, advanced maternal age) by avoiding aneuploid embryos. Evidence for a universal live‑birth boost across all patients is mixed; ESHRE notes benefits are context‑dependent.
• Sperm factors: Severe count/motility issues are often overcome with ICSI. High DNA fragmentation may reduce blastulation or increase miscarriage; fixing heat, smoking, varicocele, or infections can help.
• Uterine environment: Polyps, fibroids distorting the cavity, adhesions, and chronic endometritis lower odds. Treatable. Hydrosalpinx halves implantation unless clipped or removed-treat it before transfer.
• Endometriosis: Can affect egg quality and implantation. Many patients still succeed with tailored protocols; surgical decisions should be individualised.
• PCOS: Often yields many eggs but needs careful stimulation to avoid OHSS. With good lab care and SET, outcomes are strong in younger patients.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, heavy alcohol, obesity, and severe underweight all cut odds. Vitamin D deficiency and uncontrolled thyroid disease matter too.
• Clinic and lab quality: Culture systems, freezing methods, and lab staff expertise are huge. Two clinics can turn the same eggs into very different outcomes.

What about add‑ons? Cochrane reviews and regulator traffic‑light systems have been clear: many “extras” (endometrial scratch, intralipids, immune therapies, PRP, routine steroids, routine antibiotics, growth hormone) lack solid evidence for improving live birth in unselected patients. Acupuncture helps stress and well‑being for many, but live‑birth benefits are inconsistent. Spend time and budget where the evidence is strongest.

Practical ways to improve your odds

Here’s a focused plan you can act on before and during IVF.

Medical fixes that move the needle:

• Get a clean uterine cavity: Have a hysteroscopy or saline scan if there’s any doubt. Remove polyps, significant fibroids, adhesions.
• Treat hydrosalpinx: Clip or remove the affected tube before transfer. This change alone can double implantation compared to leaving it.
• Check thyroid and vitamin D: Aim for TSH generally between 0.5-2.5 mIU/L when trying to conceive, and replete low vitamin D.
• Time your transfer: In medicated FET cycles, ensure lining is ≥7-8 mm and triple‑line if possible, and progesterone exposure is accurate for the embryo’s age.
• Single blastocyst transfer: Safer with comparable live‑birth over multiple attempts and far fewer multiples.
• Consider PGT‑A selectively: Helpful when embryo numbers are high with repeated failure or in advanced maternal age to avoid aneuploid transfers. Less useful when embryo numbers are very low.

Everyday steps with real impact:

• Stop smoking (both partners). Odds and embryo quality improve within months.
• Alcohol: Keep it low to none during stimulation and transfer windows.
• Weight: Even a 5-10% weight change toward a BMI 20-30 can help response and implantation. Avoid crash dieting; steady changes work best.
• Exercise: Moderate activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) supports metabolic health. Skip high‑impact training during stimulation to avoid ovarian torsion risk.
• Sleep and stress: Aim for 7-8 hours. Use mindfulness, therapy, or support groups. Lower stress won’t magically fix biology, but it helps you stick with treatment and recover.

Supplements (evidence‑minded):

• Folic acid 400-800 mcg daily pre‑conception-non‑negotiable.
• Vitamin D if deficient.
• CoQ10 has suggestive data for egg quality in some groups; not a cure‑all, but low risk.
• Avoid expensive “fertility stacks” with no solid data. Save money for proven steps.

Protocol and lab choices:

• Ask how embryos are cultured (time‑lapse, continuous culture), survival rates after thaw, and live‑birth per single blastocyst for your age.
• Ask for your clinic’s success in your age band, not the whole clinic population.
• Discuss banking embryos if you’re 38+ and planning more than one child.
• If male factor is significant, ensure the lab is strong in ICSI and has strategies for poor sperm (e.g., selection methods, testicular sperm if indicated).

Picking a clinic (UK): Use regulator data to shortlist clinics strong for your age group and diagnosis. Look beyond headline rates: cancellation rates, multiple birth rates, and single‑embryo transfer policies tell you about safety and lab quality.

Quick pre‑IVF checklist:

• AMH/AFC done and understood
• Thyroid and vitamin D checked and corrected
• Uterine cavity assessed; hydrosalpinx ruled out or treated
• STIs screened; rubella status checked
• Plan for SET with blastocyst when possible
• Realistic plan for 2-3 transfers/cycles if needed

A note on expectations: even with perfect prep, IVF isn’t a guaranteed fix. It raises the probability in a given time window. That’s why cumulative planning-budgeting time, money, and emotional energy for multiple attempts-matters.

Scenarios, FAQ, and next steps

Here are common situations and what the odds often look like, using the ranges earlier. These are examples, not promises-your numbers may differ.

Scenario 1: 32, unexplained infertility, normal AMH, good sperm

• Per‑transfer live‑birth odds: ~40-50% with a top‑quality blastocyst at a strong lab.
• Plan: Expect 1-2 transfers to work. Focus on SET, uterine check, and vitamin D/thyroid. Consider freezing additional embryos for baby #2.

Scenario 2: 37, mild endometriosis, AMH slightly low

• Per‑transfer: ~30-40%, assuming blastocyst transfer.
• Plan: Optimise stimulation; consider two retrievals to bank embryos. Treat any cavity issues. Discuss PGT‑A if multiple embryos to avoid aneuploid transfers and shorten time to pregnancy.

Scenario 3: 39, diminished ovarian reserve (AMH low), partner’s sperm normal

• Per‑transfer: ~20-30% if a good blastocyst is available, but fewer embryos per cycle.
• Plan: Consider banking across 1-2 cycles, then transfer. Be realistic about cumulative odds and timeline. Supplements like CoQ10 may be considered.

Scenario 4: 41, multiple failed IUIs, considering PGT‑A

• Per‑transfer: ~10-20% with own eggs; PGT‑A can reduce miscarriages and avoid aneuploid transfers if you have enough embryos to test.
• Plan: One or two retrievals to generate embryos, then PGT‑A if numbers allow. Reassess after 1-2 transfers. Discuss donor‑egg pathway in parallel.

Scenario 5: 43, own eggs, no prior IVF

• Per‑transfer: often <10%. Cumulative by three cycles may still be <15-20%.
• Plan: Have an honest talk about donor eggs, which can raise per‑transfer odds to 40-50%+ in many programs.

Scenario 6: Male factor (severe), ICSI planned

• Per‑transfer: driven by female age and embryo quality. With ICSI and good lab techniques, odds can mirror age‑based ranges if enough good embryos are made.
• Plan: Improve sperm health where possible (quit smoking, treat varicocele/infection). Consider testicular sperm if ejaculated sperm is very poor and your clinic advises.

Mini‑FAQ

• Does PGT‑A increase live‑birth odds for everyone? No. It’s most useful when you have several embryos and a high risk of aneuploidy (older age, recurrent miscarriage). It can reduce time to pregnancy and miscarriage. In low‑embryo scenarios, it may leave nothing to transfer.
• Fresh or frozen transfer? In many clinics, frozen blastocyst transfers do as well or better than fresh, and they reduce OHSS risk in high responders. Choose what fits your biology and clinic’s strengths.
• Single or double embryo transfer? Single is safer and, over multiple transfers, you reach similar live‑birth odds without the risks of twins.
• Do add‑ons work? Most don’t show consistent live‑birth benefits in high‑quality evidence. Spend on proven steps and a good lab.
• How many cycles should I plan for? Many plan for up to three, based on NICE guidance and cumulative success patterns. Reassess after each cycle with real data.

Next steps

1. Get your baseline: age, AMH/AFC, semen analysis, thyroid, vitamin D, uterine assessment.
2. Estimate your personal odds using the age ranges and the multipliers earlier. Write down your plan for two to three attempts.
3. Shortlist clinics strong in your age bracket. Ask for live‑birth per single blastocyst transfer in your age band, thaw survival rates, and multiple birth rates.
4. Fix the fixable: treat hydrosalpinx, remove cavity lesions, optimise thyroid/Vit D, and settle on SET with blastocysts.
5. Decide on PGT‑A based on embryo numbers and age. Skip if embryos are very few and testing will likely leave none to transfer.
6. Line up support: time off work near retrieval/transfer, mental health support, and a financial plan that can stretch to more than one attempt.

Red flags and troubleshooting

• No embryos to transfer twice in a row: discuss protocol changes, lab second opinion, or donor‑egg pathway sooner rather than later.
• Repeated implantation failure with good‑quality embryos: double‑check the cavity, consider endometritis testing/treatment, review progesterone timing, and discuss targeted add‑ons only with a rationale.
• Multiple miscarriages: consider karyotype, PGT‑A (if embryos are available), and uterine evaluation. Manage thyroid and clotting factors if clinically indicated.

Final thought: Success in IVF is probability, not destiny. Stack the odds where you can, plan for a few good attempts, and judge progress using live‑birth data that matches your age and situation. If you need a phrase to search when talking to a clinic, use this one once and remember it: IVF success rates.