Women’s reproductive potential declines after the age of 40 compared to that of younger women. IVF and other fertility procedures also have significantly lower success rates in them.
The reproductive issue that lowers the odds of success when a couple tries to conceive on their own has to do with the quality of the eggs. Both egg number and quality are factors that limit the success potential of procedures like IVF.
What impact does egg quality have on ivf and fertility?
The most important component when assessing the embryo is the condition of the egg. The chromosomal state of the egg plays a significant role in the “egg quality”. With increasing female age, the frequency of chromosomal defects in eggs (and consequently, also in embryos) rises considerably. About 30% of eggs are chromosomally defective at age 30. 60% of people can get pregnant by the age of 40, and 90% face problems by the age of 44.
Natural methods to boost fertility
Making sure that you are engaging in unprotected intercourse during the proper stage of your cycle is the best approach to enhance your chances of becoming pregnant at age 40.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a balanced diet (one rich in protein, fruits and vegetables, and calcium), engaging in regular exercise, quitting smoking, and consuming less alcohol and caffeine.
- Lower your stress levels, which may interfere negatively with hormones related to ovulation.
However, you must get medical help if you’ve tried everything mentioned above and haven’t become pregnant after six months or longer of regular, unprotected sex.
What are the possibilities of naturally becoming pregnant beyond age 40?
According to recent studies, fertility begins to decrease around the age of 35 and continues to do so until the age of 43. The likelihood of becoming pregnant spontaneously each cycle is 20% at age 30, but this chance decreases to 5% by age 40 and to one percent by age 45, making the woman’s age the most significant factor impacting fertility.
More exactly, women have about 1-2 million eggs at birth, which is a finite number. These eggs slowly decrease in quantity as time passes, reaching 300,000 eggs at puberty. Around 10,000 eggs, or 3% of the initial quantity, are present by age 40.
The best option for most women over 40 to conceive and give birth to a normal baby is IVF. Although IVF can perform miracles, IVF experts are not magicians. Women should be aware that IVF success rates are impacted by declining egg quality after reaching the age of 40.
Why you should think about IVF over 40 utilizing donated eggs or embryo adoption
For women over 40, IVF with donated eggs is becoming a frequent procedure with great success. IVF at 50 with donated eggs is typically also an option.
Based on the clinic and the nation, the optimum age for IVF using donated eggs is upto 50 years old. Today, women who are well over the age of 40 can experience parenthood through IVF with egg donation and realize their aspirations for a healthy child.