Chances of success of artificial insemination
For years, institutes have been collecting figures on reproductive medicine, i.e. intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI treatment. We explain what percentage of treatments lead to pregnancy and on which factors the success rate depends. Learn all about the chances of success of artificial insemination.
When couples consider whether they should undergo reproductive medical treatment, the prospect of success plays a major role. Because no one wants to undergo such a lengthy process if he does not have justified hope of success. In order to give these couples an orientation and thus a basis for decision-making, some institutes collect figures on the success of treatments in Germany. The determined success rates are of course average values and not transferable to individual couples. But they allow interesting conclusions about one’s own treatment options and serve as a basis for a conversation with one’s own gynecologist.
Index
ToggleChances of success of insemination (IUI)
The probability of success ofintrauterine insemination (IUI)Â is about ten percent per treatment cycle. Unfortunately, the chances of success decrease with the number of treatments. As a rule, one of the first three treatments is more likely to be successful, with later treatments the chances decrease significantly. However, up to six treatments are often performed if a couple does not stop the treatment prematurely. After six treatment cycles, usually about 25 to 35 percent of the couples could be helped. If insemination is not successful, further treatment with one of the assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF or ICSI, can be considered. They are more complex and expensive, but may still be able to fulfill the desire to have children.
Chances of success of IVF and ICSI
Every year, the German IVF Register publishes figures on IVF in its “Journal for Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology“. This also includes success rates of the treatments. According to their figures over several years, it can be assumed that25 to 30 percent ofin vitro fertilization (IVF) andICSI treatmentare successful. On the whole, therefore, the chances of fulfilling a desire to have children per IVF treatment cycle are no less than the chances of a healthy couple conceiving a child. Regardless of the number of attempts, artificial insemination results in a child in around half of all couples. If all therapeutic possibilities are exhausted and the conditions are favorable, then even about sixty to eighty percent of all couples could be helped to have a child. If fertilization outside the body is necessary due to occlusion of the fallopian tubes or a severe form of male infertility, the likelihood of becoming pregnant within four treatment cycles is reduced. Thus, the success rates are then closer to fifty to sixty percent.
How does age affect the success rate?
With increasing age, the prospect of successful fertility treatment decreases. This is also shown by the success rates published by theGerman IVF Register (DIR) for 2018. Thus, the chances of success for IVF and ICSI treatments in younger women are significantly higher than the average values.
- For women over the age of 30, the success rate after insertion of two “ideal” embryos is 40 percent, according to the DIR,
- from the age of 31, the pregnancy rate already decreases. For example, the success rate for 36-year-old women is 35 percent per treatment cycle.
- among 41-year-olds only at 19 percent.
The influence of age on the chances of success of the treatment is therefore high. In our article “Common reasons for female infertility” you can read why age plays such an important role.
Other factors influencing success
Other factors such as
- Lifestyle
- the number of previous treatments,
- previous miscarriages and more
can influence the probability of success of a treatment. It is therefore important that thecauses of infertilityare diagnosed as accurately as possible. Your gynecologist must get a holistic picture of you.
Realistically assess chances of success
Every couple should be aware that successful fertilization is not the same as a successful pregnancy. As with any other pregnancy, there may be an early abortion (19 percent in a 34-year-old woman, 59 percent in a 44-year-old woman) or anectopic pregnancy.
As with trying to get pregnant naturally, you also need patience with fertility treatment, because it can take several treatment cycles until you are pregnant. In addition, there is the burden of regular doctor’s visits, examinations and procedures.
Health and psychological stress
Artificial insemination is associated withhealth and psychological risks. That is why it is so important that you inform yourself beforehand about the different treatment options and make a conscious decision. Couples should be clear about what such treatment means and consider strategies for dealing with the burden. Because now it is particularly important to exchange ideas with your partner and talk about fears and sensations.
A psychologist or a doctor may also be able to provide support. Self-help groups or exchanges with other affected people can also help. It is important that you complete the treatment with as little stress as possible. Stress also has a detrimental effect on fertility in men and women. So make sure that you feel as good as possible.