IVF Success Rates for Women Over 40

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of many fertility treatment procedures that a couple may undergo in order to become pregnant. In IVF, the eggs and sperm are combined in a lab. Once these become embryos, the embryos are placed inside the uterus. IVF tends to be a comparatively complex procedure, and it is more expensive than many other fertility treatments.

IVF can be a viable option for a variety of fertility problems. These can include a low male sperm count, ovulation problems, hostile cervical mucus, uterine problems, endometriosis, problems with the fallopian tubes, or other, unknown fertility problems.

IVF is, for many couples, a method of last resort. Most often other treatments, such as fertility medications or a variety of artificial insemination methods are tried before attempting IVF.

According to the CDC, success rates for IVF are around 25%. This success rate can vary greatly based on age. IVF is most successful for women younger than 33; The rate of failure continues to drop after 35, and begins to greatly decrease after age 38. Very few women who attempt IVF after the age of 43 are successful.

To identify whether or not you are a good candidate for IVF, your health care provider will likely perform a variety of tests. The most common of these is to test your FSH and estradiol levels for three days. The best candidates for IVF will have FSH levels of 10 mIU/ml or less, and their estradiol levels will be at 70pg/ml or less. The higher that these levels are, the lower the chance that IVF would be successful.

Another test that your health care provider may use is known as a “clomiphene challenge” test. This test will help determine a woman’s egg supply.

Some other statistical information about IVF, provided by the CDC:

- Less than 1% of the time, IVF results in an ectopic pregnancy.

- In 11% of IVF pregnancies, the woman becomes pregnant with twins or multiples.

- Around 17% of IVF pregnancies resulted in miscarriage.

Posted in Fertility Issues