The goal of an IVF cycle is the birth of at least one baby per intention to treat. However, IVF cannot confer competence on an embryo, but only can provide each couple with a safe treatment to meet a predetermined chance of success. This commentary highlights how clinical, financial and patient-centred perspectives should be included in the definition of success in IVF. The primary outcome, which is the cumulative live birth delivery rate per intention to treat, must always be complemented by analyses of risks, costs and time invested, as well as by measures of patient satisfaction. Finally, it is essential, whenever clinical conditions exist, to limit treatment discontinuation after failed attempts. Constant monitoring of the data is pivotal and must be adjusted for patient characteristics and compared with national and international registers. The authors aimed to review all these aspects and highlight the points that are still open for discussion. Is it time for a consensus?

试管婴儿周期的目标是每个打算治疗的婴儿至少出生一个。然而，体外受精不能赋予胚胎以能力，而只能为每对夫妇提供安全的治疗，以满足预定的成功机会。本评论强调临床、财务和以患者为中心的观点应如何纳入体外受精成功的定义中。主要结果，即每次治疗意向的累积活产分娩率，必须始终通过风险、成本和时间投入的分析以及患者满意度的测量来补充。最后，无论何时存在临床情况，都必须限制尝试失败后的治疗中断。持续监测数据至关重要，必须根据患者特征进行调整，并与国家和国际登记处进行比较。作者旨在回顾所有这些方面，并强调仍有待讨论的要点。是时候达成共识了吗？