Factors Affecting IVF: What Really Influences Success Rates

When you’re considering IVF, a medical procedure where eggs are fertilized outside the body and implanted into the uterus. Also known as in vitro fertilization, it’s one of the most common ways people in India build families when natural conception isn’t working. But IVF isn’t a guaranteed path to pregnancy. Success depends on a mix of biological, medical, and personal factors—some you can control, others you can’t.

The biggest factor? Age, the single most powerful predictor of IVF success. Also known as ovarian reserve, it’s not just about being "young"—it’s about how many good-quality eggs your body still has. Women under 35 have the highest success rates, often over 40% per cycle. By 40, that drops to around 20%. By 43, it’s often under 5%. This isn’t hype—it’s data from Indian fertility clinics tracking thousands of cycles. Then there’s lifestyle, how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress. Also known as reproductive health habits, things like smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, or chronic stress can lower egg and sperm quality, mess with hormone levels, and make implantation harder. Even something as simple as how much you walk each day can matter—just like how walking helps stiff knees, gentle movement supports hormone balance.

Where you get treatment also plays a role. Not all clinics use the same protocols, lab standards, or embryologist experience. In India, success rates vary widely between big city hospitals and smaller centers. Look for clinics that share their real numbers—not just averages, but numbers broken down by age group. And don’t ignore the financial side: IVF cost in India, ranges from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per cycle. Also known as fertility treatment expenses, it’s not just about the procedure—it’s about medications, tests, frozen embryo storage, and possible repeat cycles. Many people don’t realize that insurance rarely covers IVF here, so budgeting is part of the process.

Underlying health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or male factor infertility also change the game. These aren’t just footnotes—they’re core reasons why some cycles fail and others succeed. Even thyroid levels or vitamin D status can quietly affect outcomes. That’s why good clinics don’t just jump into IVF—they run full panels first.

What you’ll find below are real, practical articles from people who’ve been through this. From how long IVF takes to what happens when you’re over 40, from gender selection options to what actually affects your chances. No fluff. No promises. Just what works—and what doesn’t—in the Indian context.