Embracing transparency with caution: A guide from No. 1 Fertility

At No. 1 Fertility, we are proud to be leaders in delivering exceptional IVF outcomes, We fully support greater transparency so patients can make informed choices about in vitro fertilisation and fertility treatment options.

The Australian Government’s Your IVF Success website is a positive step towards more transparency across the industry. It provides clinic pregnancy rate graphs and the very helpful Patient Predictor Calculator that patients can easily access when learning about IVF clinics in Melbourne or IVF clinics in Sydney.

No.1 Fertility actively contributed to industry consultations that helped shape this important resource and we encourage patients to use it as a helpful starting point when looking for a fertility clinic.

Although statistics can be useful, they can also be one dimensional when it comes to measuring outcomes. As the nation’s expert body of highly qualified fertility experts, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (ANZSREI), has clearly stated that, the Your IVF Success data should be not used to compare clinics. The expert group warns that the differences between clinics make direct comparisons too unreliable due to variations in patient populations, treatment approaches, and clinic practices.

We support this cautious approach and want to help patients understand both the benefits and limitations of the website.

IVF clinic pregnancy rate graphs: A broad overview, not a ranking

The pregnancy and live-birth rates per clinic graphs are currently based on Australia and New Zealand Reproductive Database (ANZARD) data from 2020 to 2022. While this offers a national snapshot, as ANZSREI notes, the data is now several years old and does not reflect current clinical practice, technology, or success rates.

Critical limitations, as independently outlined by ANZSREI:

  •  Patient and clinic differences distort comparisons: Patient groups vary widely across clinics. Different clinics support different patient populations. For example:
  • PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing) also known as embryo genetic testing, can increase pregnancy rates. Clinics that use PGT-A more frequently often appear to have higher pregnancy rates, not because the clinic is necessarily better, but because of case selection.
  • Donor sperm cycles (which are not separated in the Your IVF Success data) can increase success rates. Clinics offering frequent donor sperm treatment may often look more successful in published figures, but this does not reflect higher quality, only a different patient mix.
  • Low follicle number policies differ across clinics. Some clinics may cancel cycles if fewer than three follicles develop, which can make their success rates look higher. Other clinics continue the cycle to give patients their best chance of success. The former may appear more successful, but this does not always reflect true quality of care.
  • Ovulation induction versus IVF: Some clinics may proceed with IVF for women who only require simpler ovulation induction, which CREI-trained fertility specialists often manage without IVF. These “easier” cases can inflate success rates, without reflecting best practice care.
  •  Risk of reduced access: ANZSREI warns that some clinics may avoid treating patients with complex or lower-prognosis cases, including those in regional areas, to protect published success rates. This can limit options for patients already facing barriers.
  •  Small sample sizes skew regional data: Some clinics report outcomes based on as few as 11 patients, which makes the results statistically unreliable.

How No.1 Fertility Melbourne and No.1 Fertility Sydney approach transparency

At No. 1 Fertility, we provide care for every patient. This includes individuals and couples with complex fertility needs, genetic conditions, male infertility, sperm motility concerns, low ovarian reserve, or multiple prior unsuccessful cycles.

Our independently audited ANZARD-submitted data includes all cycles (except donor eggs) for IVF, ICSI, PGT, and all embryo stages. We proudly stand by our results, which reflect real-world patient care, not selective reporting.

Our success rates are driven by ongoing research, innovation, advanced laboratory systems, and AI supported embryo selection and our laboratory team are always on-hand to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

 

ANZSREI Recommendation Endorsed by No.1 Fertility

The ANZSREI Executive recommends that consumers should not use the Your IVF Success pregnancy rate data to compare clinics.

Instead, patients should consider:

  • Patient-centred care
  • Cost of IVF treatment, egg freezing, genetic testing and additional services
  • Accessibility in Melbourne and Sydney
  • Doctor expertise, especially CREI specialist training

You can also visit www.anzsrei.com to find a CREI qualified specialist.

Why patients choose No.1 Fertility

We believe transparency means being honest about the complexity of fertility care and the many factors that influence outcomes. We do not rely on simple graphs or single data points because fertility treatment is highly individual.

We are proud to provide:

  • care for all patients, including those with complex histories
  • Audited, unfiltered data submitted to ANZARD annually
  • comprehensive care beyond IVF, recognising that not every patient requires IVF to succeed
  • continuous improvements through AI, research, and the latest fertility innovations

Your fertility journey deserves personalised guidance, compassionate care, and a tailored treatment plan built by experts.

Ready for real answers?

If you are looking for a Melbourne fertility clinic or a Sydney fertility clinic that provides individualised support, our team is here to help.

Call 03 9132 9600 for Melbourne, 02 8604 3499 for Sydney or visit number1fertility.com.au to book a personalised consultation with our CREI qualified fertility specialists.
Let us turn data into hope and build the path that is right for you.

 

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