IVF Success Rates & Pregnancy in Malaysia

Jan 30, 2025

Couple choosing an IVF centre with high success rates

Key Takeaways

  • IVF is a proven fertility treatment in Malaysia, offering hope to couples facing infertility.
  • Success rates depend on factors like age, egg and sperm quality, and previous pregnancies.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress can improve IVF outcomes.
  • Choosing a reputable IVF clinic with experienced specialists and advanced technology is essential.
  • Monash IVF KPJ Johor offers personalised care, transparent success rates, and ongoing support for every patient.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a popular treatment option that has helped countless couples around the world overcome their fertility challenges and achieve pregnancies. IVF involves fertilising a woman’s eggs with a man’s sperm in a laboratory to create embryos, which are then transferred into the uterus.

IVF success rates can be calculated in different ways using varying metrics, which is why it’s important for prospective parents to understand these success rates and what they measure.

What Are IVF Success Rates and How Are They Measured?

IVF success rates are typically expressed as a percentage, calculated by dividing the number of successful outcomes by the total number of IVF procedures performed. However, “success” can be measured in different ways:

  • Clinical Pregnancy Rate: The percentage of IVF cycles resulting in a pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound (usually 6–9 weeks after embryo transfer).
  • Live Birth Rate: The percentage of IVF cycles that result in the birth of a living baby. This is considered the gold standard for measuring IVF success.

Live birth rates are typically lower than clinical pregnancy rates because not all pregnancies result in live births. When comparing clinics, it’s important to understand which metric is being used, as some may present more optimistic figures by focusing on clinical pregnancies instead of live births.

Primary Factors Impacting Percentage of IVF Success Rates

There are various factors that influence the rate of success for IVF, including:

Age

Women under the age of 35 have a much higher chance of success with IVF. As women age, the rate of pregnancies and live births begin to drop. The live birth rate for women under 35 using their own eggs in IVF is around 46%, while for 38-year-olds, it’s approximately 22%, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While the chances of success are lower for older women, it is still possible to conceive and have a child through IVF.

Egg quality

The quality of eggs can also influence the success of IVF treatment. Egg quality tends to decline with age, so if you plan to delay pregnancy, do consider egg freezing treatment to increase your chances of success with IVF later on.

Sperm health

According to a study found in PubMed, statistically, more than 48.5 million couples worldwide have been unable to conceive a child for 5 years or longer and approximately 30–50% of infertility cases are caused by male infertility, specifically low sperm quality. Poor sperm quality can significantly affect the formation of healthy embryos, ultimately reducing the success rates of fertility treatments such as IUI and IVF.

Previous pregnancies

A 2024 study published in Fertility and Sterility found that women who had one previous live birth were nearly twice as likely to have a successful IVF cycle (odds ratio: 1.97). Even women with a history of miscarriage had better odds than those who had never been pregnant (odds ratio: 1.35). The success rate was also higher in women who previously had a baby through IVF (odds ratio: 1.58).

Top Tips to Improve Your IVF Success Rate

There are practical steps you can take to improve your chances of a successful IVF outcome:

Maintaining a balanced diet

Obesity can affect hormonal balance, egg quality, and reduce the chances of IVF success. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your odds.

Avoiding smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can impact egg and sperm quality, reducing the chances of fertilisation and pregnancy. It’s best for both partners to stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least three months before starting IVF treatment to boost the chances of success.

Managing stress and ensuring adequate rest

Stress and lack of rest can also have detrimental effects. Navigating infertility and embarking on the IVF journey can be stressful for couples. It’s important to find positive ways to manage and cope with this stress. 

Speaking to a therapist who specialises in infertility issues can be helpful. In addition, prioritising rest and sleep is crucial. Getting adequate, quality sleep can lead to better IVF outcomes.

Choosing an IVF Centre with High Success Rates in Malaysia

Choosing the right IVF centre for your treatment is the first step towards ensuring a smooth fertility journey for you and your partner. Opt for a clinic with a good track record, high percentage of success with IVF, experienced fertility specialists, and supportive services, so you receive the care you need throughout your IVF treatment.

As a pioneer of IVF, Monash IVF is a world-renowned expert in the field of assisted reproductive technology. Through our strategic partnership with KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital, we are committed to giving couples in Southeast Asia access to advanced IVF technology and personalised care plans to help them overcome their unique fertility challenges.

Realistic Expectations for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Success Rates

IVF success rates can vary depending on one’s age, fertility health, and medical history. Discussing your unique situation with a fertility specialist will help you better understand your chances of success and manage your expectations accordingly.

Going through multiple rounds of IVF cycles can be incredibly challenging. It’s important to have emotional support from family and friends throughout the process. If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. Speak to your fertility specialist and reach out for help. Monash IVF KPJ Johor is here with you every step of the way.

Start Your IVF Journey at a Trusted IVF Centre in Malaysia

Monash IVF KPJ Johor is committed to helping couples in Johor Bahru and across Malaysia achieve their dream of parenthood. With high IVF success rates, advanced technology, and dedicated patient care, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists and begin your IVF journey with us today.

Citations and References:

Cleveland Clinic. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). 2024. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf 

Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, et al. Male infertility: A critical review of the literature. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2023. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10366343/ 

Smith ADAC, Lawlor DA. Predictive models in IVF: where are we and where are we going? Fertility and Sterility. 2024. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028224001730