HFEA data shows improvement in IVF success rates
30 August 2002
Provisional statistics on the success rates of individual IVF clinics, released today, suggest that more women starting in vitro fertilisation treatment are likely to have a child as a result. Figures supplied to the HFEA from clinics show that between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2001, 21.8 per cent of IVF treatment cycles resulted in a birth. For women aged under 38, the success rate per treatment cycle was 25.1 per cent. This compares with success rates 19.5 per cent for all treatment cycles and 22.1 per cent for those involving women under 38 in 1998-1999.
The data also suggests that a growing proportion of women starting IVF treatment are aged 38 or older. In 1998-1999, 22 per cent of IVF cycles involved women older than 38, in 2000-2001 the proportion was 25 per cent.
The HFEA accepted that there was great variation in the success rates of different clinics with some clinics achieving success rates as high as 46 per cent and others achieving success rates as low as 10 per cent.
Success rates for all centres that are licensed to carry out IVF or donor insemination for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 will be available on the HFEA website from 10am on Friday 30 August. The figures are regarded by the HFEA as ‘provisional' because it has not yet verified the accuracy of the data which has been supplied to the HFEA by clinics.
HFEA chair, Suzi Leather, said:
‘We know that patients and potential patients are anxious to compare the most up-to-date success rates of licensed centres. However it is important that the data is not seen as the basis for ‘league tables'. Some clinics appear to have lower success results because they treat particularly difficult cases where the chance of a pregnancy is low. If you are trying to decide which clinic is best for you, you need to ask what their success rate is for couples about your age with problems similar to you.'
Pressed on the accuracy of the data, which has not yet been audited by the HFEA, Suzi Leather said:
‘We are reasonably confident that the data is accurate. Clinics have had the opportunity to double-check that the figures we publish are those they supplied. Clinics know that this data will be subject to audit and it would be highly embarrassing for a clinic to be discovered submitting inaccurate results.'
The publication of clinic success rates for 1999-2000 was delayed until today (30/08/02) because IT problems at the HFEA required the Authority to re-collect the data from clinics.
HFEA chief executive, Dr Maureen Dalziel said:
'The HFEA has, in the past, experienced some serious technical problems with its IT. During the last year, with the assistance of the Department of Health, an action plan has been implemented to address these and I am confident that in future accurate data will be published in a timely manner.'
Ends
Notes to editors
For furthur information please contact the HFEA press office.
Page last updated: 13 March 2009
When choosing a clinic, the statistics should not be the only thing to consider.