In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) requires a big emotional and physical commitment. Couples attempt IVF when surgery or drug therapies with or without IUI have been unsuccessful.

Under the leadership of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and the IVF Medical Directors of Canada, in vitro fertilization (IVF) centres in Canada voluntarily participate in the collection of nationwide data on the results of assisted reproduction. Live birth rates were reported for a combined total of 9,904 IVF/ICSI treatment cycles undertaken in 28 IVF centres in Canada in 2008.

The overall live birth rate was 29% per cycle started.

Complications occurred in fewer than 2% of treatment cycles.

71% of births were singletons
97% of the multiple births were twins

As expected, the woman’s age had a strong influence on live birth rate:

For women under 35 years old, the live birth rate was 38%
For women aged 35 to 39 years old, the live birth rate was 28%
For women 40 years old and over, the live birth rate was 11%

The IVF process combined with the hormonal therapy used to mature numerous oocytes and induce ovulation can put a woman on an emotional roller coaster. As long as you and your partner keep the lines of communication open and are prepared, relationships can remain strong through this experience. There are many unknown variables ahead such as how many follicles will be produced, how many eggs will be retrieved, how many will fertilize, how many will develop and continue to grow.

The information in this section helps to clarify fertility questions in the world of IVF. It arms you with knowledge that can help you navigate through this difficult but potentially rewarding process.