What Do CDC Data Represent?

We cite success-rate data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC cautions readers against making simple comparisons. The data are generally 2 to 3 years old, patient populations vary considerably, some doctors or clinics may avoid difficult cases or underreport data, and doctors or laboratory teams may have changed by the time the data are published. The data therefore have limited value as a reference.

About the Cited Data

In the cited data, success rates represent cycles using patients' own eggs that involved egg retrieval and ultimately resulted in live birth, regardless of diagnosis. The total number of cycles shown includes both "fresh cycles" and "frozen cycles," but the success rates shown include only "fresh cycles." If a clinic has fewer than 20 cycles in an age group, the CDC does not display the data as a percentage. We mark such data as "0" or leave them blank.

About the Data Shown

All displayed data are comparisons with the national average for U.S. clinics that have enough cycles in the same age group. Because clinics may merge or reorganize, we use data matching the clinic's current primary name. 

CDC Data Notice and Guidance

CDC data cover U.S. hospitals only. We remind patients not to overinterpret these data; they are provided only for reference because experts disagree about their reliability and usefulness.