Your IVF cycle is a deep collaboration between you, your body, and your medical team. To be the most effective member of that team, it helps to understand the playbook. Knowing what affects IVF success allows you to engage more deeply in the process, ask more insightful questions, and feel more confident in the decisions you make along the way. This guide will cover everything from how embryos are graded and why your doctor might recommend a frozen transfer, to how conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can shape your treatment plan. Think of this as your resource for becoming your own best advocate, equipped with the knowledge to partner effectively with your clinic.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple factors shape your IVF outcome: Your chances with IVF depend on a mix of things, including your age, the health of the eggs and sperm, your personal health history, and the quality of your fertility clinic. Understanding these pieces helps you set realistic expectations.
• You can play an active role in your treatment: While you can't change factors like age, you can support your journey by making thoughtful lifestyle choices, finding healthy ways to manage stress, and asking questions to ensure you get personalized care from your clinic.
• The right clinic and support system are essential: Choosing a clinic that tailors treatment to you is critical, but so is building your emotional support network. You don't have to go through this alone, and having the right people in your corner makes a huge difference.

What affects IVF success rates?

When you start thinking about IVF, one of the first questions that comes to mind is usually, “What are my chances?” The answer isn’t a single number—it’s a mix of different factors, and knowing what they are can help you feel more in control of your journey.

One of the most significant factors affecting IVF success is the age of the person providing the eggs. It’s a simple biological fact that egg quality and quantity change over time. But that’s just one part of the story. The specific cause of your infertility also shapes your treatment plan, whether you're dealing with PCOS, endometriosis, or something else entirely.

After retrieval and fertilization, the focus turns to the embryos. Your embryology team looks for certain predictors of success to choose the healthiest one for transfer. Your lifestyle plays a part, too—things like diet, smoking, and stress are often discussed as they can be common reasons for IVF failure. And of course, the clinic you work with makes a huge difference. The lab's quality and the team's expertise are key, which is why finding the right partner clinic is a top priority.

How age impacts your IVF journey

It’s a topic that comes up a lot in fertility conversations, and for good reason: age is one of the biggest factors influencing your chances of success with IVF. While it can be a tough subject to talk about, understanding how age plays a role can help you and your doctor create the best possible treatment plan. This isn't about placing blame or creating pressure; it's about working with the facts so you can make informed choices for your body and your future family.

For people with ovaries, age affects both the number of eggs available (your ovarian reserve) and their genetic quality. For people with testes, age can impact sperm health and its ability to create a healthy embryo. Think of this information as another tool in your toolkit. Knowing how your age might influence your treatment helps you set realistic expectations and explore all your options, whether that’s starting IVF sooner rather than later, considering genetic testing for your embryos, or looking into proactive steps like egg freezing. It’s about giving you more control over your path to building a family, not less. Your fertility journey is unique, and age is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's an important one to understand from the start. Let’s break down what this means for both eggs and sperm.

How age affects your eggs

You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have, and as you get older, both the number of eggs (your ovarian reserve) and their quality naturally decline. This process starts in your late 20s and, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, tends to speed up after 35. Lower-quality eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which can make it harder for an embryo to develop and implant successfully. This is why your doctor will talk about your age as a key factor in your treatment plan. It helps them understand the likelihood of retrieving healthy, viable eggs during an IVF cycle and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.

How age affects sperm

It’s a common myth that age only impacts female fertility, but sperm health also changes over time. While sperm is produced throughout life, its quality can decline, especially after age 40. This can mean lower motility (sperm that don’t swim as well) and a higher rate of DNA fragmentation, which is damage to the genetic material inside the sperm. These factors can affect an embryo’s ability to develop properly, which is why understanding the causes of male infertility is a key part of the fertility picture for many couples. Your clinic will analyze sperm as part of your initial workup to get a full view of your combined fertility.

Why quality matters: Eggs, sperm, and embryos

At its core, IVF is about bringing an egg and sperm together to create an embryo. So, it makes sense that the quality of each of these components plays a huge role in whether the treatment is successful. Think of it like baking a cake: you need good ingredients to get a great result. Poor quality in either the egg or sperm can make it difficult for fertilization to happen in the first place. Even if an embryo is created, if it has genetic or structural problems, it might not be able to implant in the uterus or could lead to a miscarriage.

This is why your fertility team pays so much attention to the health of your eggs and your partner's (or donor's) sperm. They'll run tests and ask questions about your health and lifestyle to get a full picture. Understanding what makes a "good" egg, sperm, and embryo can help you feel more informed and in control during your cycle. It also helps you see why your doctor might recommend certain lifestyle changes or additional tests—it’s all in service of giving you the best possible chance at a healthy pregnancy.

What makes a quality egg?

When doctors talk about "egg quality," they're mostly referring to whether an egg is genetically normal (euploid) or abnormal (aneuploid). A genetically normal egg has the right number of chromosomes to create a healthy embryo. As we get older, the proportion of abnormal eggs naturally increases, which is a major reason why fertility declines with age. Poor egg quality can make it harder for an embryo to develop properly, which can prevent implantation or lead to miscarriage. While age is the biggest factor, things like your hormonal balance and overall health also play a part. For some, considering egg freezing earlier in life can be a way to preserve younger, healthier eggs for the future.

The role of sperm health

It’s not just about the eggs—sperm health is a critical piece of the puzzle. Quality is determined by a few key factors: motility (how well they swim), morphology (their shape), and concentration (the number of sperm). Unhealthy sperm can struggle to fertilize an egg. Even if fertilization occurs, poor sperm quality can contribute to creating an unhealthy embryo that fails to implant or results in a miscarriage. The good news is that sperm quality can often be improved. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive heat (goodbye, hot tubs!) can make a real difference in just a few months.

How embryos are graded and chosen

After your eggs are fertilized, they begin to divide and grow into embryos. In the lab, embryologists watch them closely and "grade" them based on their appearance. They look at how many cells an embryo has and how symmetrical it is. This grading system helps your doctor identify which embryos have the best potential for developing into a healthy pregnancy. The goal is to transfer the embryo with the highest chance of implanting and growing. While grading is a powerful tool, it’s based on appearance and doesn't guarantee an embryo is genetically normal. The expertise of the lab at your partner clinic is really important here, as skilled embryologists are key to this process.

How your health history shapes your treatment

Your health history is a key part of your fertility story, and it gives your care team the information they need to create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Many people starting IVF have pre-existing conditions, so your doctors will be very familiar with how to adapt your protocol. Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can change how your body responds to treatment, while the health of your partner’s sperm plays an equally important role. Understanding how these factors come into play can help you feel more prepared for the road ahead. Your clinic will use your specific health profile to guide every decision, from medication dosages to the timing of your procedures, all with the goal of giving you the best possible chance of success.

PCOS and your IVF plan

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), your doctor will create an IVF plan designed for your body’s specific needs. PCOS can affect your hormone levels and ovulation, but it often means you have a high number of follicles. During the stimulation phase of IVF, this can be an advantage. Women with PCOS often produce a higher number of eggs, which can increase the chances of having more viable embryos to choose from. Your doctor will monitor you closely to find the right medication dosage that stimulates your ovaries enough to produce mature eggs while avoiding Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). It’s a delicate balance, but one that fertility specialists manage every day.

Endometriosis: What to expect with IVF

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere, which can cause inflammation and scarring that may affect fertility. For many people with endometriosis, IVF can be a very effective path to pregnancy because it bypasses some of these challenges. For example, if endometriosis has caused blockages in your fallopian tubes, IVF allows the egg and sperm to be fertilized in the lab, completely sidestepping the tubes. Your doctor will develop a personalized plan that may involve managing the endometriosis before you start your IVF cycle to create the best possible environment for an embryo to implant and grow.

When sperm is the primary issue

Fertility isn’t just about eggs; sperm health is half of the equation. When a male partner has a low sperm count, poor motility (how sperm move), or morphology (sperm shape), it can make it difficult for an embryo to develop properly. Unhealthy embryos may not implant in the uterus or can lead to miscarriage. The good news is that clinics can address this directly. A process called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is often used alongside IVF. With ICSI, a single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into the egg, greatly increasing the odds of fertilization.

All about the embryo transfer

The embryo transfer is a huge milestone in your IVF journey. It’s the moment you’ve been working toward, when an embryo is placed into your uterus with the hope that it will implant and grow. The procedure itself is usually quick and painless, feeling similar to a pap smear for many people. But while the physical part is straightforward, the decisions leading up to it are significant. You and your care team will discuss whether to use a fresh or frozen embryo, the best timing for the transfer, and how many embryos to transfer at once. Each of these choices plays a role in your chances of success. Feeling informed about these factors can help you feel more in control during a process where so much can feel uncertain. It’s all about creating the best possible environment for that tiny embryo to thrive. Understanding the why behind each decision can make all the difference in how you experience this final, hopeful step. Let's walk through what you can expect so you can have a more confident conversation with your doctor.

Fresh vs. frozen embryos

One of the first decisions is whether to use a "fresh" embryo from your current IVF cycle or a "frozen" one from a previous cycle (or the same one, just frozen for later). It might seem like fresh is always best, but that’s not necessarily the case with IVF. A frozen embryo transfer often gives your body time to recover from the hormone medications used for egg retrieval. This can create a more welcoming environment for the embryo. In fact, some studies show that frozen embryo transfers may lead to higher success rates. Your doctor will help you decide which approach is right for you based on your health and how your cycle is progressing.

Why timing is everything

For an embryo to implant successfully, it needs to be transferred into the uterus at the exact right time. Think of it like a perfectly timed dance: the embryo needs to be at the right stage of development just as your uterine lining, or endometrium, is most receptive. If the timing is off, implantation is less likely to happen. This is another reason frozen transfers can be beneficial. They allow your doctor to pinpoint the ideal moment in your natural cycle, or a hormonally prepared one, to perform the transfer. This careful synchronization of the embryo with the uterine lining’s receptivity can make a real difference in your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Transferring one embryo or more?

You and your doctor will also decide how many embryos to transfer. While transferring multiple embryos might sound like it doubles your chances, it also significantly increases the risk of a multiple pregnancy (twins or more). Pregnancies with multiples come with higher risks of complications for both you and the babies. Because of this, many clinics now recommend a single embryo transfer (eSET), especially if you’re younger and have high-quality embryos. The goal is always the same: one healthy baby at a time. Your doctor will review your specific situation, including your age and embryo quality, to help you make the safest and most effective choice for your family-building goals.

How your lifestyle can influence IVF

Going through IVF can feel like so much is out of your control. While you can’t change your age or your genetics, focusing on small, manageable lifestyle habits can be an empowering way to support your body and mind through treatment. Think of it not as a list of strict rules, but as a way to give yourself the best possible foundation for success. Your physical and emotional well-being are deeply connected, and taking care of yourself can make a real difference in how you experience the entire process.

It’s also important to remember that this isn’t about achieving perfection. The goal is to find a healthy balance that works for you. Small adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management techniques can help regulate hormones, improve blood flow, and put you in a better headspace for the journey ahead. Before making any significant changes, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor at your fertility clinic. They can give you personalized advice that aligns with your specific health needs and treatment plan.

Finding a healthy balance with food and weight

Your weight and what you eat can influence the hormones that regulate your cycle, which plays a big part in your fertility. Being significantly underweight or overweight can sometimes throw these hormones off balance. The focus here isn’t on a specific diet or number on the scale, but on nourishing your body with balanced, whole foods. Try to fill your plate with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This approach supports your overall health and helps create a better environment for a potential pregnancy. Think of it as fueling your body for an important job.

How to approach exercise during treatment

Moving your body is a fantastic way to manage stress and maintain a healthy weight during your fertility journey. You don’t need to run a marathon; gentle, moderate exercise is key. Activities like walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and light stretching can be incredibly beneficial. They help reduce stress hormones like cortisol and improve blood flow throughout your body. It’s smart to talk with your doctor about the right type and intensity of exercise for you, as they might recommend you take it easy, especially around the time of your egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

Simple ways to manage stress

Let’s be honest: IVF is stressful. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad at different points in your cycle. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely—that’s impossible—but to find healthy ways to cope with it. This can look different for everyone. Maybe it’s a five-minute meditation using an app, journaling before bed, or taking a walk in nature without your phone. Planning small, calming activities for yourself, especially on days you know will be tough (like the day of a big appointment), can make a huge difference in your emotional well-being.

What to know about smoking, alcohol, and caffeine

This is a big one. It’s best to stop smoking and drinking alcohol as you prepare for and go through IVF. Both can negatively impact egg and sperm quality and lower your chances of success. When it comes to caffeine, the advice is usually to cut back. While you might not need to give up your morning coffee entirely, many doctors recommend limiting your intake. High levels of caffeine can affect your hormones and blood flow to the uterus. The same goes for certain foods, like fish high in mercury. Your doctor can give you specific guidelines based on your health history.

Managing other health conditions during IVF

Your overall health is a big piece of the IVF puzzle. If you’re managing another health condition, it’s important to understand how it might interact with your treatment. The goal is always to get your body as ready as possible for a healthy pregnancy, and that means making sure any other health issues are well-managed. Think of it as getting all your ducks in a row before the big day. This often involves teamwork between your fertility doctor and your other specialists to create a plan that’s right for you.

Your thyroid and your fertility

Your thyroid is a small gland, but it has a huge job: it regulates your metabolism and hormones. When it’s not working properly—either producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism)—it can throw your whole system off, including your menstrual cycle and ovulation. This can make it harder to get pregnant and can affect the success of your IVF treatment. Before you start a cycle, your doctor will likely run tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. If your levels are off, getting them balanced with medication is a relatively simple but crucial step to help improve your chances of success.

Fibroids, polyps, and your uterus

It’s important that your uterus is a welcoming place for an embryo to implant and grow. Sometimes, conditions like uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus) or polyps (growths in the uterine lining) can get in the way. They can change the shape of the uterus or interfere with the lining, making it difficult for an embryo to stick. Your doctor will likely use an ultrasound or other imaging to check for these before your embryo transfer. If any are found, your doctor may recommend a procedure like a hysteroscopy to remove them, creating a better environment for implantation.

Autoimmune conditions and your treatment

If you have an autoimmune condition like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn's disease, your immune system can sometimes be overactive. During IVF, the goal is to prevent your body from mistakenly attacking the embryo. Managing an autoimmune disorder during treatment requires careful coordination between your fertility specialist and your rheumatologist or other doctor. They can work together to adjust your medications and create a plan to keep your condition stable. This teamwork helps ensure your immune system stays calm, giving the embryo the best possible chance to implant and develop into a healthy pregnancy.

How to choose the right fertility clinic

Choosing a fertility clinic is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make on this journey. It’s about more than just finding a place that’s close to home; it’s about finding a team you trust to guide you through a deeply personal and complex process. The right clinic will feel like a true partner, combining medical expertise with compassionate care that makes you feel seen and heard.

Think of it like building your own personal support team. You want experts in the lab, a doctor who listens, and a staff that makes you feel comfortable asking questions—no matter how small. While the science is critical, the human element is just as important. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people, and feeling supported can make all the difference. At Gaia, we work with a network of partner clinics that we’ve vetted for their high-quality care and patient-first approach, which can be a great place to start your search.

Looking at success rates and clinic expertise

When you start researching clinics, you’ll see a lot of data about success rates. While these numbers are a helpful starting point, they don’t tell the whole story. A clinic’s success is influenced by many things, including the types of cases they take on. The clinic you choose matters, but it’s the details behind the numbers that count. The quality of the lab, the air purity inside it, and the experience of the doctors and embryologists all play a huge role in the outcome of an IVF cycle.

Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions. How experienced is the lab team? What kind of quality control do they have in place? You can look up a clinic’s official outcomes on the CDC’s ART Success Rates portal, but use it as one piece of the puzzle, not the entire picture.

The role of new technology

Fertility medicine is constantly evolving, and technology plays a big part in improving outcomes. Many clinics now use advanced tools to give your embryos the best possible chance. This can include things like time-lapse imaging, which creates a video of your embryos developing, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), which screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.

Some clinics are even using artificial intelligence to help embryologists select the embryo most likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy. Research shows that these kinds of advanced methods can help doctors better predict a successful outcome. When you meet with a clinic, ask them what technology they use in their lab and how it directly benefits their patients. Understanding their approach can help you feel more confident in their care.

Why a personalized plan is key

Ultimately, the best clinic is one that sees you as a person, not just a patient. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for fertility treatment. Your plan should be tailored to your body, your health history, and your personal circumstances. This starts with a doctor who takes the time to understand your story and answer your questions, and it extends to the entire care team.

The emotional side of this process is just as important as the physical one. A great clinic will acknowledge the emotional considerations of treatment and offer resources like counseling or support groups. You should feel like you have a clear line of communication with your team and that your concerns are always taken seriously. This is your journey, and you deserve a partner who will support you every step of the way.

How to prepare for your IVF cycle

Once you’ve chosen a clinic and have a treatment plan, you can start preparing for your first IVF cycle. This process is as much about your emotional well-being as it is about your physical health. Taking small, manageable steps to get ready can help you feel more grounded and in control as you begin treatment. Think of this time as building a strong foundation for the journey ahead, both for your body and your mind. It’s about creating space for yourself, finding your support system, and learning how to face the ups and downs together with your partner, if you have one.

Getting your body ready for treatment

Preparing your body for IVF doesn’t mean you need to make drastic changes. It’s more about gentle, consistent habits that support your overall health. Most doctors will advise you to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as both can impact fertility and treatment outcomes. You might also consider cutting back on caffeine and avoiding high-mercury fish. Beyond that, focus on nourishing your body with balanced meals. Gentle movement can also be incredibly beneficial. Activities like yoga are often recommended not just for physical health, but because they help manage the stress that can come with fertility treatment. It’s all about finding a healthy balance that feels good to you.

Building your emotional support system

IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster, and having a solid support system is essential. You get to decide who you share your journey with and how much you tell them. Some people find comfort in confiding in close friends or family, while others prefer the privacy and guidance of a therapist. There are also many online forums and local support groups specifically for people going through fertility treatment, which can be a great way to connect with others who truly understand what you’re experiencing. You don’t have to carry the emotional weight of treatment by yourself, so find the people and resources that make you feel seen and supported.

Going through IVF with a partner

If you’re going through IVF with a partner, remember that you’re a team. This journey will test you both, but it can also bring you closer. Open communication is your most important tool. Talk about your hopes, fears, and expectations. It’s also a time to practice your shared coping skills and find ways to support each other, whether that’s going to appointments together or just making time for a walk to de-stress. Encourage each other to practice self-care, and don’t forget to connect on things outside of fertility treatment. Facing this challenge together can strengthen your communication and your bond for years to come.

When your IVF cycle doesn't go as planned

An unsuccessful IVF cycle is heartbreaking. There’s no sugarcoating it. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, numb, or all of the above. Everyone’s personality and life experiences shape how they process this kind of news, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. The most important thing is to give yourself the space and permission to grieve the loss of what could have been.

This journey can feel incredibly lonely, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Taking care of your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. When you’re ready, you can start to think about what comes next.

How to cope if a cycle is unsuccessful

First, be kind to yourself. You’ve been through a physically and emotionally demanding process. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Many people find that talking to a professional can make a huge difference. Counseling or therapy offers a safe space to sort through your feelings and explore your options without judgment.

You might also find comfort in connecting with others who truly get it. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can reduce the feeling of isolation. Sharing your experience with people on a similar path can be incredibly validating and a powerful reminder that you aren’t alone in this.

Thinking about your next steps

When you feel ready, you can start to think about what’s next for you. This isn’t a decision you need to rush. Take time to talk with your partner, if you have one, and reconnect. Going through this together can be a challenge, but it can also teach you communication skills that will benefit your relationship for years to come.

Leaning on your friends and family is also key. Building a resilient support system is essential for managing the stress that comes with fertility treatment. Your doctor is another crucial part of your team. They can help you understand what may have happened during the cycle and discuss if another round of IVF or a different path is the right choice for you.

Related Articles

• IVF - Our Guide To Treatment
• What Is a Full IVF Cycle? The 5 Steps Explained
• Choosing a Fertility Clinic: Your 8-Step Guide
• IVF Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Fertility Journey
• IVF with donor eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything I can really do to improve my egg quality? This is such a common question, and it’s a tough one. While you can’t turn back the clock on the age of your eggs, you can absolutely focus on creating the best possible environment for them to thrive. Think of it less as changing the eggs themselves and more as supporting your overall health. Focusing on a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting gentle movement can help regulate your hormones and improve blood flow, giving the eggs you have their best shot.

My doctor recommended a single embryo transfer, but I'm worried it lowers my chances. Is this the right call? It’s completely understandable to feel that way. It seems logical that more embryos would mean a better chance, but the goal of IVF is a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a healthy baby. Transferring multiple embryos doesn't necessarily increase the chance of a healthy birth, but it does significantly increase the risk of a high-risk multiple pregnancy. When you have a high-quality embryo, doctors often recommend a single transfer because it has a strong chance of success on its own and is the safest route for both you and your future baby.

I'm so stressed about being stressed. Can my anxiety actually cause my IVF cycle to fail? Please hear this: the normal stress and anxiety that come with IVF will not cause your cycle to fail. You are going through a physically and emotionally demanding process, and it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The advice to manage stress is for your well-being, to make this difficult journey a little more bearable. It’s not another task you have to perfect for the treatment to work. Be kind to yourself; you’re doing the best you can.

How soon before my cycle should I start making lifestyle changes? That's a great, practical question. A good rule of thumb is to start incorporating healthy habits about three months before your cycle begins. This timeframe gives your body enough time to benefit from the changes, as it aligns with the development cycle of both eggs and sperm. Don't feel like you need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small, consistent adjustments to your diet, exercise, and sleep are much more sustainable and effective.

If my first IVF cycle is unsuccessful, does that mean IVF won't work for me? Not at all. While an unsuccessful cycle is incredibly difficult, it’s important to know that it doesn't close the door on your chances. Think of the first cycle as a source of valuable information. Your doctors learn a tremendous amount about how your body responds to the medications and what your embryos look like. This knowledge allows them to adjust your protocol for a future cycle, which can often improve your chances of success the next time around.