Most accurate IVF predictor
Issued: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:59:00 BST
Researchers have produced a calculator which gives the most accurate reading yet on the potential success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
The team from the Universities of Glasgow and Bristol analysed the details of more than 144,000 IVF cycles using data held by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority and produced a statistical model which gives a prediction of live birth which is up to 99% accurate.
The study looked at a large number of different factors which can influence the outcome of an IVF cycle: a woman’s age, number of years trying to get pregnant, whether she is using her own eggs, cause of infertility, number of previous IVF cycles and whether she has previously been pregnant or had a baby; to obtain accurate prediction.
Professor Scott Nelson, Muirhead Chair of Reproductive and Maternal Medicine at the University of Glasgow, said: 'Essentially, these findings indicate that treatment-specific factors can be used to provide infertile couples with a very accurate assessment of their chance of a successful outcome following IVF.
'It provides critical information on the likely outcome for couples deciding whether to undergo IVF: up until now estimates of success have not been reliable. The result of this study is a tool which can be used to make incredibly accurate predictions.
'As is commonly known, not every attempt at IVF is successful. In the US and the UK, IVF is successful in about a third of women under 35 years old but in only 5 per cent to 10 per cent of women over the age of 40. However, there are many other factors in addition to age which can alter your chance of success and clinics don’t usually take these into account when counselling couples or women.'
The free calculator has been made available on the website and an iPhone app has been developed in collaboration with Tom Kelsey at the University of St Andrews. The app is now available to purchase through the iTunes store.
Find out more
<< Projects