Since fertility rates tend to decline with age, IVF success rates also follow a similar pattern. In this article, we’re going to examine IVF success rates by age, why success rates decline with age and other factors that can impact clinical results.
IVF Success Rates Under 35
The Society for Reproductive Technology (SART) states that for women under 35, the percentage of live births via IVF is 55.6%. Live births per first embryo transfer is 41.4%. With a later embryo transfer, the live births percentage is around 47%. It’s also important to note that these statistics are all based on a woman using her own eggs.
IVF Success Rates 35 to 37
IVF success rates for women aged 35 to 37 when using their own eggs is 40.8%. Live births based on the first embryo transfer is 31.6%. For a second or subsequent embryo transfer, the percentage of live births increases to 44.7%.
IVF Success Rates 38 to 40
For women aged 38 to 40, the success rate is 26.8%, which is a considerable decline from 35 to 37 years of age. For 22.3% of women in this category, the first embryo transfer results in a live birth. For 40.9% of women in this category, the second or later embryo transfers result in a live birth.
IVF Success Rates Over 40
For women over 40, the IVF 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.
IVF Age Limit
IVF at 40 and beyond has allowed many women to go on and have successful births. However, after the age of 40, fertility drastically declines. Additionally, ovarian failure or menopause usually indicates the closing of this window. At this stage, your medical team may discuss other options, such as surrogacy, an egg donor, or adoption.
Why IVF Success Decreases with Age
As a woman ages, there tends to be a lower number of eggs, as well as reduced egg quality. This may contribute to poor embryo quality, which lowers the chances that implantation within the uterus will occur.
Diminishing Ovarian Reserve (Reduced Egg Quality and Quantity)
Throughout a woman’s 30s, egg quality and quantity tend to decline, becoming more prominent after the age of 40. With a low ovarian reserve or lower quality eggs and fewer eggs in general, this can decrease a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant or being able to obtain a quality embryo that successfully implants on the uterine wall.
Poor Embryo Quality
Poor embryo quality increases the risk of miscarriage or failure to implant. This is more likely to occur with lower quality eggs or not enough eggs retrieved during the egg retrieval process involved in IVF.
Other Factors Impacting IVF Success Rates
Age isn’t the only factor that plays a part in IVF success rates. There are various reasons IVF might fail, including the number of IVF cycles, individual fertility issues, and lifestyle.
Number of IVF Cycles
Most individuals and couples undergo two to three IVF cycles before conception has taken place. Sometimes, women abandon the IVF process too early, such as after only two or three cycles. Yet, there is some evidence showing that success rates increase with more IVF cycles, such as after six cycles.
It’s also important to note that in some cases, your fertility team may opt for IVF cycle cancellation due to a low number of follicles being produced for egg retrieval.
Individual Fertility Issues
Low sperm count, poor egg quality, uterine lining issues, and more can all play a role in the success of IVF. This is why your fertility team will examine you and your partner for any other fertility issues to ensure that IVF is the right choice.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors can play a major role as to whether or not IVF is successful. It’s often recommended to quit smoking or drinking for the time being to give your body the best chance of conceiving. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can help fertility drugs and hormones interact optimally within the body, again, contributing to your success.
IVF Success Rates with Donor Eggs
Research shows that IVF success rates with donor eggs are between 70 to 80%. This means that about 70 to 80% of donor eggs will go on to develop healthy and transferable embryos.
At ELITE IVF, we are experts when it comes to the IVF process and can help make your baby dreams come true. If you have been struggling with achieving a pregnancy using conventional IVF and are ready for egg donation to power your effort to success, reach out to us at ELITE IVF so we can help you. Our success rates with egg donation enable us to offer Live Birth Guarantee outcomes, which means 100% success guaranteed or a full refund. Through every step of the way, our team is here for you. Contact us for more information.
