While the success of IVF varies widely among doctors and institutions, the pregnancy rate is about 20 percent. Approximately three fourths of these pregnancies continue to a successful delivery. The harvested eggs and prepared sperm are inserted into the fallopian tube at the same time. From there, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus, as it would under ordinary circumstances. Because IVF is less costly, it's worth trying before the more expensive GIFT techniques.
Researchers continue to explore new methods.
Because the window of opportunity closes just 12 hours after ovulation, even the most fertile of couples has only a 20 percent chance of conceiving a child each month. That's why time is so important. The majority of couples whose fertility evaluations turn up no identifiable problems will conceive a child unassisted within 2 years. Patience, indeed, is among the most important of infertility therapies. Still, when you've been waiting 1 year, or 2 years, or more, hope founded on statistical odds can be little consolation.