Wondering if age might be a hurdle for your IVF journey? At Care Fertility, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to start a family. If you’re over 40 and considering IVF, we’re here to support you with personalised care and world-leading expertise.
Quick jump:
What is IVF?
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment where fertilisation happens outside the body. This advanced procedure helps individuals and couples facing fertility issues achieve their dream of starting a family. By creating an optimal environment for fertilisation and early embryo development in the lab, IVF can bypass several challenges that might be preventing natural conception.
How can IVF help women in their 40s get pregnant?
As women age, the number and quality of their eggs naturally decline. This decline becomes more pronounced after the age of 40, meaning it can be much harder to get pregnant naturally.
The most accurate way to assess ovarian reserve is through the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test. A blood sample is taken and measured for levels of AMH. High levels of AMH mean that a woman still has high ovarian reserves (lots of eggs) whereas, low levels mean a woman’s ovarian reserve is low.
Low ovarian reserve is one of the biggest causes of infertility in women over 40. IVF offers several advantages, including the option to use donor eggs in treatment. The donor eggs are used in the fertilisation process and the resulting embryo is then transferred to the womb.
Using donor eggs significantly increases the chances of a successful pregnancy for women over 40, as donor eggs typically come from younger, more fertile women. This option helps bypass the challenges associated with lower egg quality and quantity and helps those who may otherwise struggle to conceive.
IVF success rates for over 40s
IVF success rates vary by age, and it helps to work from the most recent data available. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) publishes this annually, and its 2023 report (the latest full year published) found the following pregnancy rates per embryo transferred:
-
Under 35: 41%
-
35–37: 34%
-
38–39: 25%
-
Rates continue to fall through the 40s, dropping to around 5% by 43–44
These figures are national averages across all UK clinics, not a personal forecast. Your own results, particularly your AMH and antral follicle count, give a much clearer picture of what's realistic for you.
You can view Care fertility's success rates by clicking here. It is important to remember when looking at success rates that their are different measures of success, you can learn more about success rates by reading our guide to success rates.
Donor egg success rates for over 40s
This is one of the reasons some patients choose to move to donor treatment sooner rather than going through several unsuccessful cycles with their own eggs first, though there's no right timeline, and it's a decision we'll help you think through rather than rush.
If you want to find out about the IVF process using egg donor, head to over to our page all about using donor eggs for IVF here.
Your IVF journey: an overview
Here’s a step-by-step guide of the IVF journey using your own eggs, and what to expect at each stage:
Step 1: The initial IVF chat
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our fertility specialists. We’ll discuss your health, medical history, and the most suitable options for your IVF treatment, and what tests you might need. Ready to go? We’ll book your tests and further consultations.
Step 2: Fertility tests
Fertility and health tests give us a full picture of your reproductive health, helping us create a treatment plan that works for you.
Step 3: Consultation
Once your test results are in, one of our expert fertility doctors will review them and advise you on the best treatment options. Your treatment plan will be personalised to give you the best chance of success. This is also a great time to ask any questions – we’re here to help!
After your consultation, we’ll share with your treatment plan and a cost estimation with you via our treatment companion app, Salve, so that you can make an informed decision on what to do next. You will also have access to your own Patient Portal, where you can find all the necessary information and resources. Our Patient Services Team will be in touch to answer any questions and provide any additional information you might need.
Step 4: Ovarian stimulation
The first treatment step. You’ll take fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries and produce mature eggs. Your drug regime will be tailored to your age and health, aiming to produce multiple eggs for a higher chance of successful fertilisation.
Step 5: Ovarian maturation and monitoring
Monitoring during ovarian stimulation is essential to determine the best time for egg collection. The process typically involves several ultrasound scans and blood tests over a period of 3-7 days. These tests help us assess the growth and development of the follicles, which contain the eggs.
Step 6: Egg and sperm collection
When the tests show you are ready, you’ll trigger ovulation. We’ll then retrieve your eggs at our clinic. If you’re using a partner’s sperm, the sample will be collected simultaneously. The egg collection takes about 30 minutes and includes sedation and pain relief.
Step 7: Fertilisation and embryo development
The sperm sample is prepared and added to the extracted eggs. We monitor the eggs for fertilisation, then grow the embryos in our lab until they’re ready to be transferred into the womb or frozen for future use.
Step 8: Embryo transfer
When the embryos are ready, you’ll come in for the transfer, a simple procedure that takes about 15 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll stay with us to rest after the procedure and then we’ll be able to send you home.
Step 9: The two-week wait
After embryo transfer, you’ll wait around 12-14 days before taking an at-home pregnancy test to see if your treatment was successful. During the two-week wait you will take progesterone, a hormone that helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation. This period can be emotionally challenging, as you await the outcome of your treatment. Remember, we’re here to support you.
Step 10: Pregnancy test and ultrasound scan
Take an at-home pregnancy test around two weeks after embryo transfer. If the test is positive, you’ll come to the clinic for an ultrasound scan to check for an ongoing pregnancy.
In the event that your pregnancy test is negative, your period comes or if the scan does not show an ongoing pregnancy, our team will be here to support you through this very upsetting time. When you’re ready, we’ll book a follow-up appointment with your consultant to plan your next steps.
Our commitment to you
At Care Fertility, we’re committed to making family possible for everyone through compassion, collaboration, and expertise. Our personalised treatments, world-leading expertise, and unwavering support provide the best chance of success for our patients over 40.
We understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Book your consultation with Care Fertility today and let us help you on your journey to parenthood.
-1.png?width=290&name=HFEA%20National%20Average%20(3)-1.png)