Many patients think that the IVF success rate is 70-80% or even more. Of course this is not true. The success rates are affects by many factors, including the infertility causes and the specific techniques used for resolving the problem.

IUI success rates may reach approximately 15-18%. IUI is not a panacea for infertility, but can increase the chance of fertilization compared to sexual intercourse. Taking into consideration that IUI is an inexpensive option, easy to perform, can be repeatedly performed (e.g. monthly) and is not traumatic for the woman, IUI pregnancy rates are satisfying.

Usually, three IUI cycles are recommended to achieve the highest possible success rates.

IVF for most couples initiates an expensive, stressful and lengthy journey that requires medical intervention. Furthermore, many couples believe that IVF offers exceptionally high success rates and that their baby dream will definitely come true.

Generally, IVF success rates range between 45-48%, considering that there are legal constraints on the maximum allowable number of embryos transferred during embryo transfer. The overall success rate for women (under the age of 35) undergoing three consecutive treatment cycles is approximately 70%.

In conclusion, success rates are different for each couple undergoing IVF treatment. Statistics have been used to our benefit in many sciences (economics, politics) and whoever (either the fertility specialist or the patient) refers to statistics should be very careful. The fertility specialist is responsible for avoiding to create unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, the couple has the right to know its own realistic per-cycle success rate, irrespective of international IVF pregnancy rates that do not coincide with the couple’s personalized predicted success rate and the clinic-specific statistics report.