03 Oct Record Low Rates of IVF Twins and Triplets in Australia
Australia continues to be one of the safest countries globally for IVF treatment, the latest data shows.
A new report from UNSW Sydney reveals that IVF in Australia and New Zealand has reached a milestone in safety, with fewer twins and triplets being born through IVF than ever before. Thanks to an increase in single embryo transfers, the multiple birth rate dropped to 2.7% in 2022, compared to 3.2% in 2018. This is the lowest rate in the 45-year history of IVF in these countries.
Why Fewer Multiple Births Matter
Having twins or triplets from IVF once posed significant health risks for both mothers and babies, including complications like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and pre-term birth. By prioritizing single embryo transfers, Australia has become a global leader in IVF safety while still achieving strong pregnancy success rates.
Success Rates Stay High
Despite the focus on single embryo transfers, the success rates for IVF remain impressive. In 2022, over 108,000 IVF treatment cycles were performed, leading to the birth of more than 20,000 babies. Among first-time IVF patients, 38.9% had a live birth during their first treatment cycle, and by the sixth cycle, 59.5% had a successful outcome.
Frozen Embryos Lead to Better Results
Frozen embryo transfers, or “thaw cycles,” continue to have a higher success rate than fresh cycles. In 2022, thaw cycles had a live birth rate of 32.1%, compared to 25.9% for fresh embryo transfers. This is largely due to better synchronization between the embryo’s development and the mother’s hormonal environment during thaw cycles.
Maternal Age and IVF Success
Age remains a key factor in IVF success. For women under 30, the success rate after three cycles was 70.4%, but it dropped significantly to 22.5% for women aged 40-44 and just 1.3% for those aged 45 or older. However, other factors also contribute, and tools like the “YourIVFSuccess Patient Estimator” can help parents get a clearer idea of their chances based on personal circumstances.
Egg Freezing on the Rise
Egg freezing is becoming increasingly popular, with nearly 7,000 fertility preservation cycles in 2022 – an 89% increase from 2020. While freezing eggs can extend fertility options, it does not guarantee IVF success in the future.
