Success Rates

Comparing success rates from one unit to another can be difficult as centres have different methods of reporting. Variables in techniques, stimulation and more importantly patient variation must be taken in consideration.

The top consideration is the maternal (female) age as a woman’s fertility is known to decline with age.  Age affects the egg (oocyte) quality and thus the quality of the embryos generated. Other factors that can affect success rates are

• Cause and duration of Infertility
• Quality of sperm
• Number and quality of eggs collected
• Previous failed cycles
• Quality control of laboratory
• Skills of the IVF team

For this purpose the popular way to compare success rates is to look at the rates in the under 35 year old age group. Many centres will not treat patients over a certain age because of poor prognosis using their own eggs and suggest donor eggs only. This is not a practice that we adhere to.

Cycles may be cancelled at any point for a variety of reasons such as poor response, Ovarian Hyper Stimulation (OHSS), failure to collect eggs, the eggs fail to fertilise or divide once fertilised.

Depending on where you live there are different bodies to guide the way success rates are published.  In the USA, there is the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) or Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and in the UK there is the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).  Here in Jamaica, at present, there are no fertility laws or no such governing bodies to report to. However, we follow the guidelines of the HFEA as much as possible.

Patient Diagnosis for Treatment cycles 2009

This shows that a large percentage of the patient population seeking treatment at the HWFMU are over the age of 35 years.