How does age affect the success rate of IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates are significantly influenced by a woman’s age, with younger women generally experiencing higher success rates compared to older women. This correlation is primarily due to the decline in both the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs as she ages.

IVF Success Rates by Age Group

Women under 35: This group typically exhibits the highest success rates. According to the NHS, the success rate is approximately 32% per embryo transferred.
Ages 35 to 37: The success rate decreases to about 25% per embryo transferred.
Ages 38 to 39: Further decline is observed, with success rates around 19% per embryo transferred.
Ages 40 to 42: Success rates drop to approximately 11% per embryo transferred.
Ages 43 to 44: The success rate diminishes to about 5% per embryo transferred.
Women over 44: The success rate is around 4% per embryo transferred.

These statistics highlight the inverse relationship between age and IVF success rates.

Factors Contributing to Age-Related Decline in IVF Success

Ovarian Reserve: As women age, their ovarian reserve—the number of viable eggs—diminishes. This reduction leads to fewer eggs available for retrieval during IVF cycles.
Egg Quality: The quality of a woman’s eggs declines with age, increasing the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities. Such abnormalities can result in failed fertilization, miscarriage, or congenital conditions.
Uterine Environment: Age can also affect the uterine environment, potentially reducing its receptivity to embryo implantation.

Considerations for Older Women Undergoing IVF

For women over 40, the success rate is around 7%, with women under 42 having a higher rate of success than women over 42 years of age. In many cases, women over 40 may decide to use donor eggs. Using donor eggs removes the age factor from the equation of pregnancy success, placing the fertility power on the mid-20s egg donor in the IVF process.

Alternative Options

For women over 40, the IVF success rate is around 7%. In many cases, women over 40 may decide to use donor eggs. Using donor eggs removes the age factor from the equation of pregnancy success, placing the fertility power on the mid-20s egg donor in the IVF process.

Conclusion

Age is a critical determinant of IVF success, with younger women experiencing higher success rates. As women age, particularly beyond 35, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline, leading to reduced IVF success rates. Women considering IVF should be aware of these age-related factors and consult with fertility specialists to explore the most suitable options for their circumstances.

Recent Developments in IVF Treatment and Trends

The Times & The Sunday Times

Leaving it too late? Average age of starting IVF passes 35

181 days ago