Taking some of the doubt out of IVF

Complex algorithm predicts probability of in vitro fertilization success better than standard age model

Couples contemplating a second attempt at having a child through in vitro fertilization after failing the first time may now have a tool that takes some of the guesswork out of the decision to try again.

By incorporating dozens of factors pertaining to a couple’s fertility, age and health, a new algorithm more accurately predicts the probability that IVF will succeed compared with a currently used standard calculation, researchers report online July 19 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.