Frequently Asked Questions
Where does PlainFertility's data come from?
All data comes from the CDC National ART Surveillance System (NASS) — mandatory annual reporting from all U.S. fertility clinics under the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992. The CDC compiles and publishes clinic-level outcome data annually.
What does 'live birth rate per transfer' mean?
This is the percentage of embryo transfer cycles that result in at least one live birth. For example, a 50% live birth rate per transfer means that 50 out of 100 transfer cycles resulted in a live birth. The CDC uses this as the primary success metric because it reflects the outcome patients care about most.
Why do success rates vary so much between clinics and age groups?
Age is the most important predictor of ART success — younger patients have higher success rates due to better egg quality. Clinics also vary by the complexity of patients they treat. A clinic specializing in difficult cases or older patients may show lower rates than a clinic treating a younger, healthier population, even if the care quality is identical or superior.
Can I choose the best clinic just by looking at success rates?
The CDC explicitly advises against choosing a clinic solely based on published success rates without considering patient case mix. A clinic with slightly lower rates may treat more complex cases with better overall outcomes for those patients. PlainFertility presents the data as published — consult a reproductive endocrinologist to evaluate your individual situation.
What is the difference between fresh and frozen embryo transfers?
In a fresh cycle, embryos created from the current egg retrieval are transferred in the same cycle. In a frozen cycle, embryos from a prior retrieval are frozen and then thawed and transferred later. Frozen transfers now often show comparable or higher success rates because they allow time for the uterine environment to recover after stimulation.
Does PlainFertility include donor egg success rates?
Yes. PlainFertility shows whether each clinic offers donor egg services and includes any donor egg success rate data published by the CDC for that clinic. Donor egg cycles generally show higher success rates than autologous (own egg) cycles regardless of the patient's age.
Is PlainFertility affiliated with the CDC or any fertility clinic?
No. PlainFertility is an independent data portal built by PlainFertility. We present CDC NASS public data in a searchable format but are not affiliated with the CDC, any fertility clinic, ASRM, SART, or any healthcare organization.