Skip to content
My account Favourites
Basket
0
Blog

Understanding the Key Factors That Influence IVF Success

Patients

For many individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be a challenging but hopeful journey. A recent study published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help predict the success of IVF cycles, particularly when using frozen-thawed embryos​.

The research analysed 4,300 IVF cycles and identified the most important factors that influence whether an embryo successfully implants and leads to pregnancy. In this blog, we break down the key takeaways in simple terms to help you understand what might impact your chances of success.

What Was the Study About?

The study focused on frozen-thawed single euploid embryo transfers—this means embryos that have been genetically tested to ensure they have the correct number of chromosomes before being frozen and later transferred to the uterus. Scientists used machine learning (a type of AI) to analyse a large dataset and determine which factors are most important in achieving a successful pregnancy.

What Are the Most Important Factors?

The study found that seven key factors play a crucial role in determining whether an embryo will successfully implant:

  1. Number of Previous IVF Cycles – If you’ve had multiple failed IVF attempts, the likelihood of success may decrease. This suggests that underlying issues (such as uterine health or immune responses) should be assessed before additional cycles.
  2. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Levels – AMH is a hormone that reflects ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have). While lower AMH levels may indicate a reduced chance of collecting multiple eggs, this study suggested AMH may also play a role in embryo implantation.
  3. Endometrial Thickness – The thickness of the uterine lining at the time of embryo transfer is important. A lining that is too thin may not provide the best environment for implantation.
  4. Embryo Quality After Thawing – Not all embryos survive the thawing process equally well. The better an embryo’s quality after being thawed, the higher its chances of implanting successfully.
  5. Maternal Age – While using euploid embryos improves success rates regardless of age, the study found that older maternal age can still impact implantation and pregnancy rates.
  6. Total Number of Frozen Embryos – Having more frozen embryos available increases the chances of a successful cycle, as it allows for multiple attempts if needed.
  7. Method of Endometrial Preparation – Some studies suggest that preparing the uterine lining using a natural cycle (tracking your own ovulation) may be more effective than using artificial hormones. This study also found that natural cycle embryo transfers may lead to better pregnancy outcomes.

Why Does This Matter?

If you are undergoing IVF, understanding these factors can help you and your fertility specialist make informed decisions about your treatment. This might involve optimising your endometrial thickness, choosing the right embryo transfer method, or considering additional tests if you have had multiple unsuccessful cycles.

The Role of AI in IVF

This study highlights how AI is helping fertility doctors analyse large amounts of data to personalise treatment plans. By identifying key patterns, AI can improve predictions and help increase the chances of success in IVF treatments.

Final Thoughts

IVF can be an emotional journey, but understanding the science behind it can empower you to make informed decisions. If you’re considering or currently undergoing treatment, discussing these factors with your fertility clinic may help you achieve the best possible outcome.

For more details, you can read the full study here.