PURPOSE: The objective was to explore the variability in in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. METHODS: Published success rates from IVF clinics in North America were investigated to establish types of biases and potential inaccuracies. RESULTS: Success rates reported by IVF clinics vary with regard to the indices and patient populations used to compute them. Selection bias and misunderstood statistics are major factors contributing to the inappropriateness of certain rates. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of privatization and market forces also may contribute to the need to oversimplify IVF statistics.
PURPOSE: The objective was to explore the variability in in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. METHODS: Published success rates from IVF clinics in North America were investigated to establish types of biases and potential inaccuracies. RESULTS: Success rates reported by IVF clinics vary with regard to the indices and patient populations used to compute them. Selection bias and misunderstood statistics are major factors contributing to the inappropriateness of certain rates. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of privatization and market forces also may contribute to the need to oversimplify IVF statistics.