SART - Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology - FAQ

How can I obtain accurate information about individual clinic's success rates?

By law, all SART-approved clinics (approximately 400) must submit their data to the CDC. After approximately a 2-year delay, livebirth deliveries/retrieval are reported. You may access the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/drh/art.htm

How does age affect ART success rates?

After age 35, the delivery rate from ART declines; after 37, the risk of miscarriage increases. Based on the national statistics, the chance of delivering a baby after ART is as follows:

• 35 = 36%
• 35-37 = 30%
• 38-40 = 22%
• 41-42 = 12%

Donor egg or donor embryo may present a more viable option for those over 40 or who have a declining ovarian reserve.

What are the chances of multiples if I undergo an ART fertility procedure?

According to the CDC, a single child is delivered 63% of the time. Twins occur 32% and triplets 5% of the time.

How can the chance of multiples be reduced?

By limiting the number of embryos placed into the uterus during an embryo transfer, based on the woman's age, the risk of multiples should be reduced. By transferring one or two embryos as multi-cell blastocysts on day 5, the chance of fraternal multiples is also diminished. However, day 5 transfer may increase the risk of identical twins.

What if I have been pregnant before, am I more likely to conceive with ART?

If you have had a miscarriage before, your odds are improved by about 1% to 2%. If you have delivered a baby, you increase your odds by 2% to 6%, depending on your age.