How likely are you to succeed when expanding your family through IVF? More to the point, what can you actually do to improve your chances? If you’re researching your options for IVF in Australia, success rates are undoubtedly on your mind.
We know that with so many metrics advertised, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Gender Selection Australia, we prioritise transparency — which is why we’re breaking down what these numbers really mean. Whether you’re exploring how to have a baby girl or hoping to welcome a little boy, our expert team is here to guide you.
Interpreting Gender Selection IVF Success Rates
You’re in good hands: Dr Potter’s frozen embryo transfer success rates are among the highest in the United States where he practices.
Let’s break it down by age group. For patients under 35, his live birth rate per transfer is a 81.1%, ranking first nationally. Patients aged 35–37 see a 67.7% success rate (2nd nationally), and those aged 38–40 experience a 60% rate (5th nationally). Even in the 41–42 age group, where success rates typically drop dramatically, Dr Potter’s outcomes remain strong at 83.3% — though this group isn’t nationally ranked due to a smaller number of cases.
These figures reflect a wide range of patients, including those with fertility issues and those pursuing gender selection IVF with no complications. Most Gender Selection Australia patients fall into the latter category: couples with no fertility challenges and a strong history of natural conception. This means your chances of success may actually be higher than the published age-based averages!
The Three Key Factors That Impact Success
Age
You’ve probably heard that age plays a significant role in IVF success, particularly with egg quantity and quality. As women age, the number of viable eggs naturally declines, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases. This can reduce the number of embryos suitable for transfer after genetic testing. Dr Potter has consistently high success rates across all age groups, however, younger patients generally have a higher chance of producing healthy embryos, simply due to biology.
Fertility History
Your fertility background matters. If you’ve conceived naturally in the past or have had uncomplicated pregnancies, your chances of success with gender selection IVF may be higher. Dr Potter considers your full reproductive history, including any past complications or treatments.
Pre-IVF Testing
Before any IVF cycle, Dr Potter requires comprehensive testing for both partners. This includes checking ovarian reserve, sperm health, and screening for genetic conditions that could affect embryo viability. These insights allow him to create a highly tailored treatment plan just for you.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Chances
In a perfect world, we would be able to control all factors influencing fertility. Trust us: we try! Unfortunately, some things are simply beyond our control. Age is a great example of this. Did you know that once your embryos are created, you’ve essentially “locked in” the success rate associated with your age at that point? That means if you’re 34 when you create your embryos, they carry the success potential of a 34-year-old — even if you use them later.
Genetic barriers can’t be controlled either. This is why thorough embryo testing and careful planning are key to Dr Potter’s approach.
Dr Potter maximises the number of mature eggs retrieved to give you the best possible pool of embryos. Since some embryos won’t make it through genetic testing, having more to work with means a higher chance of finding healthy, viable options. That’s where PGT-A comes in, a screening process that identifies chromosomally normal embryos.
Healthy Habits That Support IVF Success
While some factors are outside your control, there is a lot you can do to give your body the best chance of conceiving a healthy baby girl or boy.
What to Eat
This is the ideal time to start (or continue) eating a balanced diet. Don’t worry: this doesn’t require expensive powders or supplements. Focus on enjoying a variety of nourishing wholefoods such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, quality proteins, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Healthy fats like avocado and extra virgin olive oil can also support reproductive health. Explore recipes you love, and encourage your partner to make healthy changes too.
Staying hydrated is equally important. Aim for at least two litres of water each day. If water isn’t your go-to, herbal teas can count toward your daily intake.
It’s essential to fuel your body well, so avoid those crash diets or cutting out entire food groups. A caloric deficit can place unnecessary stress on your system, which may reduce your chances of IVF success.
What to Do
Regular exercise can help support your reproductive health. Just as importantly, it can boost your mental well-being and resilience throughout the IVF process. Many of our clients benefit from incorporating yoga, swimming, or gym sessions into their routine in the lead-up to treatment.
Managing stress is also a crucial part of preparation. This will look different for everyone: one person might find calm in a warm bath and guided meditation, while another prefers boxing or blasting their favourite playlist. Whatever works for you, carve out time for the activities that help you feel centred and clear-headed.
Stay connected with loved ones and prioritise rest. Prioritise time with people who support your decision and help you feel relaxed.
Finally, take an honest look at your work/life balance. If your job is demanding, consider reducing your hours or using leave to create space for rest. IVF is a meaningful commitment, so don’t let work-related stress get in the way of giving yourself the best chance at success.
What to Avoid
While we encourage enjoying everything in moderation, it’s best to cut back on processed foods, sugary snacks, and hydrogenated oils during this time. Opt for satisfying snacks that combine healthy fats, fibre, and protein. Think avocado on wholegrain toast, hummus with veggie sticks, or a handful of nuts and seeds. These options help you stay full, meet nutritional needs, and avoid sugar crashes.
Many of our clients choose to avoid alcohol while undergoing IVF treatment, much like the guidance you’ll receive once pregnant. Sticking to water, herbal teas, and non-alcoholic drinks is a simple way to support your overall health. It’s also a good idea to reduce your caffeine intake, aiming for no more than one small coffee per day.
Avoiding exposure to toxicity doesn’t just mean limiting harsh cleaning chemicals and heavy metals. It also means taking some time away from taxing personal relationships. If you know that you have people in your life who cause you stress, consider setting some firm boundaries during this time.
GSA Support Makes a Difference
With GSA, you’ll receive tailored guidance and support at every stage of the process. From your fertility history to your daily habits, every factor counts. The good news? You’re not powerless. With smart lifestyle choices and expert support from Gender Selection Australia, you can take real steps to improve your chances.
We can’t wait to help you build the family of your dreams. Get in touch with our friendly team today to begin your gender selection IVF journey.