A factor often used in choosing a fertility doctor or a fertility clinic is their success rates. While this is indeed an important consideration, one must be careful and understand what the published rates mean to themselves. MCRM Fertility is a proud member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and reports, annually, our success rate data to both them and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Here is more information on our success rates information.
Where to Find Success Rates
Each year, fertility clinics are required to submit assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rate data to the CDC. This includes fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), frozen embryo transfers, donated/adopted embryos, IVF with donor eggs. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rate information is not included.
Fertility clinics may choose to also submit their ART success rates to SART. Annually, MCRM Fertility provides our most recent success data to both SART and CDC. Both the CDC and SART provide similar data points to evaluate; however, there may be some differences in the way the data is calculated and/or displayed.
When is Updated Data Published
Since success rates consider the births of babies born through ART treatment, the data is often delayed by two years. For example, IVF success data for patients completing IVF in 2023 will not be available until 2025. Typically, both the CDC and SART publish initial, preliminary success data about mid-year. Finalized data is often not published until closer to the end of the calendar year.
Preliminary and finalized data can vary and it is recommended when comparing data to be sure you compare finalized data to finalized data or preliminary data to preliminary data.
Data Available to Review
The amount of data available in the success rate reports is vast and can be overwhelming. It is more than simply a success rate percentage that is provided. Information is provided for the clinic as well as for individual diagnosis, ages brackets and specific cycle types.
Clinic summary data often includes the total number of cycles performed and total number of cycles by type. Data by age is often much more in depth. Here is where you will discover the live birth rate, rate of singleton birth, rate of twin births, rate of triplet births, average number of embryos transferred, implantation rate and much more.
How to Use Success Rates
Here are a few ways that you can use the data to your advantage during your fertility treatment:
Set Realistic Expectations
Understanding our success rates can help you set realistic expectations for your treatment. Success rates provide a general overview of our performance but may not guarantee the same outcome for every patient. Remember that each individual’s fertility journey is unique, and success rates serve as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Discuss Treatment Options
Use the success rates as a starting point to discuss treatment options with our fertility doctor. Based on your specific circumstances and the clinic’s success rates, we can recommend the right treatment options and techniques that align with your chances of success. The information on our site, including our success rates, can help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
Understand the Likelihood of Success
By reviewing the success rates, you can understand the likelihood of success with us. Consider your age, medical history, and any underlying fertility issues when evaluating your chances. We can help interpret the success rates in the context of your unique situation.
Seek Additional Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the success rates, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Our fertility doctors will be happy to discuss our rate information in detail with you.
Monitor Progress
As you progress through your treatment, consider monitoring your progress compared to our success rates. Regular monitoring, such as ultrasound scans and blood tests, can provide insights into how your body responds to the treatment. We can assess whether your progress aligns with the expected success rates and make any necessary adjustments to increase your chances of success.
Let MCRM Fertility Assist You Along Your Fertility Journey
Contact us to learn more about our fertility treatment options and success rates. Researching accurate information about your possible success rate can help you and your doctor create an extensive treatment plan.