Understanding Success Rates

10 Nov 2025

Embryologists in a laboratory, one freezing a sample and the other looking down a microscope.

Fertility statistics can sometimes feel confusing or even discouraging. Percentages and figures don’t always tell the full story, especially when every person’s journey is so unique. At Bourn Hall, we know that success rates are just one part of understanding your chances, and we believe it’s just as important to understand what those numbers really mean.

So how can we read success rates in a way that’s meaningful and realistic? What should we keep in mind when comparing clinics or treatments?

In this video, Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director of Bourn Hall, shares valuable insights into the limitations of success rates and explains what Bourn Hall does to make our statistics easier for everyone to understand. Dr Papathanasiou also offers a message to anyone who looks at success rates and feels discouraged, reminding us that behind every number is a personal story of perseverance, hope, and possibility.

Watch the video to gain a clearer understanding of fertility success rates, and hear Dr Thanos’s words for everyone on their journey to parenthood.

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Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.

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“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”

Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF

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“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”

Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm

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