Pregnancy and birth after in vitro fertilisation
How successful are IVF treatments? The charts on this page show the success rates for IVF and the numbers of premature or multiple births occurring after IVF.
Not all IVF treatments result in a birth. Frequently, to increase the chances of success, several embryos are transferred to the uterus. However, this also increases the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy, which involves greater risks (for mother and child) than a singleton pregnancy. For example, multiple pregnancies are more often associated with caesarean sections and premature births.
In recent years, the practice of elective single embryo transfer (eSET) has become increasingly common internationally. Thanks to modern methods, embryos produced in vitro can be observed and analysed in more detail. This makes it possible to select a single embryo, which may increase pregnancy success rates.
Success rates for IVF, based on all treatment cycles started
How to read the chart: Embryo transfer was achieved in 86 per cent of all treatment cycles started in 2007, for example; a clinical pregnancy was established in 23 per cent; and a birth (including stillbirths) resulted from 16 per cent of all treatment cycles.
In the first weeks, pregnancy can only be detected using a biochemical test (i.e. a pregnancy test). It can only be determined by ultrasound after 5 to 6 weeks. From this point onwards, it is known as a clinical pregnancy.
Number of live-born children after IVF, in relation to all live-born children in Switzerland
Number of births after IVF treatment with and without preimplantation diagnosis
Number of (singleton or multiple) births after IVF treatment
For comparison, in 2023, the proportion of multiple births was 1.52 per cent overall, while the proportion after IVF was 2.82 per cent. (Source: FSO, BEVNAT)
Number of premature births after IVF treatment
Further information
Index
Further topics
Assisted reproductive techniques
How many couples make use of insemination? At what age do women decide to pursue in vitro fertilisation (IVF)? What types of genetic test are conducted on embryos? Data can be found here.
Handling of embryos from in vitro fertilisation
With in vitro fertilisation (IVF), embryos are produced outside the body. The charts below show how many embryos are produced in Switzerland and what types of genetic testing are performed.
Preservation of reproductive cells (precautionary measure and donation)
Anyone may have their reproductive cells or their ovarian or testicular tissue preserved. Data on preservation can be found here.
Reproductive Medicine Act effectiveness review
The Federal Office of Public Health has been commissioned to review the effectiveness of the Reproductive Medicine Act (RMA). The aim of the review is to investigate whether the Act is being implemented effectively and appropriately and whether it is achieving its objectives.
Reproductive medicine
Some 3,200 couples embark on an assisted reproductive treatment every year in Switzerland. Assisted reproductive techniques are evolving rapidly and raise complex ethical and legal questions.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Biosafety, Human Genetics and Reproductive Medicine Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern