Are you considering IVF at 40 years old? Before you decide, you first have to know what IVF is, the risks and your chances at pregnancy.
IVF is one of the assisted reproductive techniques for couples having fertility problems. This is considered as one of the very expensive artificial fertility techniques because of the complex processes that are involved. This program is readily available at different fertility clinics and only offered to couples if either is diagnosed with:
- Minor level of sub fertility with the male
- The fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system is damaged or blocked
- The female partner has unexplained infertility
- The couple has been unsuccessful with other fertility programs
- The couple has been trying for a successful conception for over three years
IVF at 40: Is it still possible?
IVF at 40 is considered to have lower chances of successful pregnancy due to less healthy eggs. The younger the female is the more healthy eggs are produced.
The process includes retrieval of eggs and gathering sample sperm from the male partner or donor. The eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory and after successful fertilization, they become embryos. These are then transferred to the uterus of the female patient.
The success rates of IVF depend on the age of the female.
- Women below the age of 35: 30 to 35 %
- Women between the age of 35 to 37: 25 %
- Women between the age of 38 to 40: 15 to 30 %
- Women over the age of 40: 6 to 10 %
Even with the lowest rate for successful pregnancy, doctors have concluded that there is still a rational chance for women over 40 to attain a fruitful pregnancy.
According to records, women over 40 years old consist approximately 20% of all the women who are using ART or assisted reproduction technologies in order to get pregnant. What hinders IVF at 40 and above are two factors, poor quality of embryos and the weakening ovarian reserve. There is little chance to have a fruitful conception through IVF at the age beyond 40, although the chance is still there.
IVF at 40: Differing results of IVF treatment
Women, 40 years old and above, who have undergone in vitro fertilization have various testimonies. Some had been advised by their fertility doctors to use donor eggs because the qualities of the eggs they produce are poor. Others meanwhile, suffered miscarriages and complications because of old age. On the other hand, a number conceived successfully without any worries.
That is why it is important that before couples undergo the IVF process, they are first screened if they are eligible for the program. The fertility doctor will be the one to inform the couple about the success rates and other details that they have deduced from the different screenings performed.
Though IVF at 40 and over is less likely recommended because of the age and the poor quality of the eggs, it can still be worth the risk as long as you fully understand and are prepared of all possible outcomes.