Success depends on multiple factors. Embryo quality is most important factor. First transfer success: 60-70% with good embryos. Overall success: 95%+ within 3 transfers. Factors affecting success include age of egg donor/provider, embryo genetic testing, surrogate's proven fertility, IVF clinic expertise.
Overview
This guide answers “What are typical success rates?” for intended parents, with a focus on planning, common variables, and the questions that reduce risk and surprises.
How to think about success rates
Success metrics in assisted reproduction can be defined in different ways (per cycle, per retrieval, per transfer, live birth vs clinical pregnancy). Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
The most reliable expectations usually come from clinic-specific outcomes and a clinician’s assessment of your situation.
Typical workflow (high level)
- Clarify your plan: clinic choice, embryo plan, and timeline goals.
- Build your team: agency coordination, legal counsel, and insurance/escrow planning.
- Matching: preferences, introductions, and alignment on expectations.
- Legal + medical readiness: contracts, clinic clearance, and scheduling.
- Pregnancy + delivery: coordinated care, milestones, and parentage steps.
What can vary (and why)
- Clinic schedules and medical protocols (individualized to the situation).
- State and international legal requirements (especially for parentage workflows).
- Matching preferences and availability (fit matters).
- Insurance and financial structure (coverage details can change).
- Logistics like travel, time zones, and appointment availability.
Questions to ask (so you don’t get surprised later)
- What are the next 2–3 steps in my specific situation?
- What documents or records should I prepare before we start?
- Which decisions should I make now vs later?
- Which success metric are we talking about (pregnancy rate, live birth, per transfer, per retrieval, etc.)?
- What factors most influence outcomes in our case (age, diagnosis, embryo testing, clinic)?
- Where can I review clinic-specific success rate data?
- How do we establish parentage and protect everyone legally?
- What should we confirm with the fertility clinic before matching?
Next steps
Important note
This page is educational information only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm specifics with qualified professionals and your care team.
See the sources section below for reference links when available.