Considering IVF Over 40? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re over 40 and struggling with fertility, you probably have a lot of questions. Is IVF worth it at this stage? What can you do to boost your chances? As one of the UK’s leading fertility clinics, we specialise in treating complex cases and frequently administer IVF for women over 40. Let’s explore what you need to know about IVF at this age.

Understanding the IVF Process

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted conception technique that involves stimulating the ovaries with hormone medications to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored, and the best quality ones are transferred back into the uterus to develop.

IVF and Age: What You Should Know

The average age of IVF patients has been steadily increasing, with many first-time patients now over 35. However, fertility naturally declines with age. A couple in their 30s has about a 20% chance of conceiving each month, but by 40, that drops to just 5%.

Women over 40 often turn to IVF after delaying parenthood for various reasons—finding the right partner, career progression, or financial stability. But is IVF worth it over 40?

Is IVF Worth It Over 40?

Success rates for IVF do decline with age, even at top fertility clinics. However, clinics like ours often see success in cases where previous attempts have failed elsewhere.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), women are advised to seek medical help based on age:

• Under 34: After 1 year of trying to conceive without success.

  
  

• 35-38: After 6 months.

  
  

• 39 and above: After 3 months.

Time is a critical factor, and seeking fertility testing before trying to conceive can help avoid delays. Studies suggest that the live birth rate for IVF in women over 40 is around 13-15%, while intrauterine insemination (IUI) has a success rate of just 1%.

What to Consider When Pursuing IVF Over 40

1. Comprehensive Fertility Testing

A thorough fertility evaluation is essential for both partners. Advanced testing for women may include saline hysterography to assess reproductive organ integrity, while men may undergo sperm DNA fragmentation testing.

2. Genetic Screening of Embryos

Chromosomal abnormalities increase with age, leading to higher miscarriage rates. Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) can help identify viable embryos, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

3. Male Fertility Matters Too

Male fertility declines with age, affecting sperm quality and motility. In some cases, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be recommended to enhance fertilisation success.

4. Addressing Immune System Issues

Autoimmune disorders can interfere with pregnancy by attacking the embryo. Immune testing can help determine if treatments are necessary to improve implantation chances.

5. Lifestyle Optimisation for Fertility

A Mediterranean diet, reducing exposure to certain plastics, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support fertility. Additionally, medical interventions like DHEA supplements, growth hormone injections, and ovarian rejuvenation (PRP or stem cell therapy) may enhance egg quality and quantity.

Considering Donor Eggs?

For women with severely diminished ovarian reserves, donor eggs may be a viable option. In this process, a donor’s eggs are fertilised with the partner’s sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the intended mother’s uterus.

Your Next Steps

If you’re considering IVF at this stage of life, seeking guidance from an experienced fertility clinic like Evara Fertility can provide you with personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a consultation and personalised fertility assessment.