Age is an important consideration in IVF success. If you are considering the in vitro fertilization process, you may want to review the latest IVF success rates by age.
Just as with getting pregnant naturally, the success rate of the in vitro fertilization process is greater for younger women because the quality of younger eggs is higher. Also, younger women usually produce more eggs for retrieval with the in vitro fertilization process.
When your doctor uses fertility drugs for ovarian stimulation with the in vitro fertilization process, the average woman has a 25 percent chance of conceiving. This is similar to the natural fertility rate for infertile couples having unprotected intercourse. Of course, this rate is highly dependent on your age and the reason you are choosing IVF.
IVF can boost your chances of pregnancy
For instance, you may have a poor response to fertility medications and have little chance for achieving a successful pregnancy. Yet during the stages of the in vitro fertilization process, your fertility specialist can inspect the eggs under the microscope for abnormal-looking eggs. In addition, the failure to see successful fertilization after adding sperm to the eggs may identify a previously unknown problem with the sperm/egg interaction.
Finally, abnormalities in the development of the embryo after the in vitro fertilization process may reveal the cause for infertility. The good news is that once the cause is identified, measures can be taken to correct it, increasing the potential that you can get pregnant.
IVF success rates by age with donor eggs
Older women undergoing the in vitro fertilization process may choose to use donor eggs. When donor eggs are used, the IVF success rates by age may increase -- if the eggs come from a donor younger than age 35.
However, the age of the recipient using the donor egg is irrelevant. The IVF success rates by age is the same for young or older women using donor eggs.
Your age and multiple births
Transferring a high number of embryos in women under 35 doesn’t seem to increase the chances of pregnancy. However, this does increase the chances of having multiple births with the in vitro fertilization process.
The number of embryos transferred increases with age, most likely to try to maximize an older woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Can the in vitro fertilization process help you?
Talk with your doctor. Openly discuss you and your partner’s medical records, including test results and fertility history. Then ask about the benefits and risks of the in vitro fertilization process to see if this ART therapy may help you realize your dreams of starting a family.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Report: National Summary
