The Science Behind IVF Success: What Really Makes It Work

Did you know? The world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born on July 25, 1978.  Since then, July 25th has been celebrated globally as World IVF Day or World  Embryologist Day. Nearly five decades later, IVF has evolved tremendously. While  the techniques, technology, and outcomes have all improved, the core science  remains the same. 

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a process where a woman’s eggs are fertilised with a  man’s sperm outside the body in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are  transferred into the woman’s uterus to establish a pregnancy. 

Today, IVF represents a beacon of hope for millions of couples worldwide  struggling with infertility. Over 8 million babies have been born through IVF  globally, proving that reproductive science is more advanced and precise than ever.  However, achieving success in IVF still proves to be a challenge for some couples  because it depends on multiple factors - from genetics to lab standards to lifestyle. 

Here’s a closer look at what truly drives IVF success. 

Quality of Eggs and Sperm 

Egg and sperm quality are at the very heart of a successful IVF cycle. 

• Egg Quality: Women are born with 1–2 million eggs, which naturally decline  in both quantity and quality with age. By age 35, the number drops  significantly, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities rises, increasing the  chances of implantation failure or miscarriage. That’s why many specialists  recommend embryo genetic testing (PGT-A) for women over 35. 

• Sperm Health: Success isn’t just about sperm count. Motility, morphology,  and DNA integrity also matter. Issues like poor motility or DNA fragmentation  can lead to poor fertilisation and weaker embryos. Techniques like ICSI  (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can help overcome male factor issues,  but lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco, improving diet,  regular exercise, and sometimes medication are equally critical. 

AI and Genetics-Led Embryo Selection 

Not all embryos develop into healthy pregnancies. Age-related declines in egg and  sperm quality can result in weaker embryos. 

At Santaan Fertility Clinic, AI-powered embryo selection uses time-lapse imaging  and advanced algorithms to analyse thousands of data points, enabling consistent, 

objective, and more accurate embryo selection. Combined with PGT-A, which  screens for chromosomal abnormalities, this significantly improves implantation rates  and reduces miscarriage risks. 

Uterine Health Matters 

Even the best embryos need a receptive uterus to implant successfully. 

Before transfer, fertility specialists carefully assess endometrial thickness, blood  flow, and hormonal synchronisation to ensure optimal timing. In some cases, a  personalized Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) guided by an ERA (Endometrial  Receptivity Analysis) test is recommended to pinpoint the ideal implantation  window. 

Precision in Hormonal Monitoring 

Every patient is unique, so modern IVF protocols are highly personalised. 

• Hormone profiles, ovarian reserve tests, and previous cycle data help  tailor medication doses. 

• Real-time monitoring ensures retrieval of healthy eggs while minimising risks  like overstimulation. 

At Santaan, advanced software and AI tools track hormone levels, follicle  growth, and lab data, optimising timing and improving overall success rates.

World-Class Labs and Skilled Embryologists 

Embryos are delicate, and their development depends on sterile air, controlled  temperature, and specialised culture media. A state-of-the-art lab and expert  embryologists are non-negotiable. 

Santaan Fertility Clinic boasts AI-integrated embryo monitoring systems,  automated incubators, and closed culture environments that reduce human  error and enhance consistency. 

Our embryologists’ expertise speaks for itself—over 10,000 successful  pregnancies to date.

The Lifestyle Factor 

Science can only do so much. The bottom line is: your lifestyle choices matter. 

Smoking, alcohol, junk food, stress, and sedentary habits can significantly affect  fertility, especially in conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Small, consistent  lifestyle changes—supported by a nutritionist or lifestyle coach—can improve  reproductive health and boost IVF success rates. 

The success of IVF isn’t about luck—it’s about combining cutting-edge science,  precise diagnostics, AI-driven care, and healthy lifestyle choices. With the rise  of precision reproductive medicine, couples now have better chances of success,  fewer failures, and a clear path toward building the families they dream of.