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IUI Success Rate by Age: Does Age Affect IUI Treatment Results?

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Last updated: November 20, 2025

Overview

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has been a source of revival for couples who cannot have children due to infertility. Yet, the question of an age limit for IVF is most commonly raised by those who are thinking about having a family later in life. Female fertility in nature drops drastically with age, but the medical innovations and excellence still make it possible to get pregnant later and even more safely.

The article answers the question of the chances of getting pregnant at 45 and, if so, what infertility treatment options are available. It also elaborates on the maximum pregnancy age for women, including those who are considering having a second child.

Can Women Conceive Naturally at 45?

After around 35 years, a woman's fertility starts to decline and gets very steep after 40. At 45 years old, natural conception is almost impossible because of poor egg quality and ovarian reserve that has been used up. The decrease in the number of healthy eggs and the body's hormonal changes that affect ovulation are the primary reasons. Even though it is still possible to get pregnant in this way, it is almost always necessary to go through assisted reproductive technologies to have a better chance of success.

This is where IVF at 45 and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are becoming increasingly significant. IVF, with the help of a fertility doctor and close observation of the process, has the capacity to rejuvenate lost fertility that has been lost in old age to a considerable extent.

Infertility Treatments Available for Women Over 45

Experts in fertility typically suggest various fertility therapies to women over 45 based on the health of the woman, ovarian reserve and hormonal balance. The choices are:

  • IVF using own eggs: This approach depends on good ovarian reserve and the quality of eggs.
  • IVF with donor eggs: Recommended when the quality of the natural eggs is extremely low, as it significantly increases the success rates to a tremendous level.
  • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): The method that can be used for a woman under 40 with open fallopian tubes and mild infertility.
  • Fertility enhancement procedures: Make the uterus more receptive to implantation.
  • Surrogacy: This is taken into account when a woman cannot give birth because of medical reasons.

These late maternal age fertility solutions have made it possible for many women over 45 to become moms again, safely and successfully.

IVF Success Rates at Age 45

Whether IVF will be successful at 45 depends mainly on egg quality, uterine health, and whether donor eggs are used. With age, the number of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs gradually increases, which affects embryo development and implantation potential.

Below is an overview of approximate IVF success rates by age:

Age Group Average IVF Success Rate (per cycle)
Under 35 years 50 - 55%
35 - 37 years 35 - 40 %
38 - 40 years 20 - 25%
40 - 45 years 5 - 10%
45 years and above 1–5% (with own eggs)
45 years and above (with donor eggs) 40–60%

Reference

Women who prefer to undergo IVF using donor eggs at the age of about 45 years face a higher probability of conception, owing to the fact that the donor eggs are donated by younger and fertile women. Advanced methods such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and embryo freezing increase the chances of pregnancy.

Maximum Age of Women to Get Pregnant

The maximum pregnancy age for a woman varies depending on biology and medicine. Menopause is characterised as the cessation of the menstrual cycle (for a year or more). This milestone is typically achieved by most women between their late 40s and early 50s, with a median age of approximately 51 years. Therefore, it is quite possible to conceive in the natural way up to your 50s.

Although natural fertility is severely reduced after 40, IVF keeps the pregnancy age limit open for several women.

  • Natural conception: Almost unlikely after 45 due to very low ovarian function.
  • IVF with own eggs: This can be done until the age of about 45 years, provided there is good health and a sufficient number of eggs.
  • IVF with donor eggs: IVF can be done in women who are 46 - 50 years old because the fertility potential of IVF is determined by the source of the egg and not the age of the recipient.

The majority of females above 45 years cannot conceive naturally, and as such, they need the services of IVF and other ART procedures.

Second Pregnancy Age Limit

The second pregnancy age limit is critical among women who are already mothers. Though one can get pregnant even after the age of 40, it has some health hazards.

  • Risks for mother: High blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and a higher likelihood of caesarean delivery.
  • Risks for babies: A higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities and premature birth.
  • Fertility options: IVF and donor eggs can be used safely and effectively to attain second pregnancies in old age.

To prevent complications during a second pregnancy after 40, doctors suggest that people should be screened medically and have individual counselling before they can think of pregnancy.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Pregnancy After 45

It is a fact that age can not be turned back; however, some lifestyle and medical treatments can still lead to better fertility rates.

  • One way to ensure good fertility is to maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight and obese can lead to hormonal imbalances.
  • Ensure you eat a diet that is conducive to conception and supplemented with proteins, vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Abstinence and moderate alcohol consumption.
  • When stressed, try yoga, meditation, or consulting a therapist to manage your stress.
  • Undergo frequent fertility examination and very frequent hormone testing.
  • Consult a fertility specialist early for tailored IVF at 45 guidance.
  • Consider donor eggs if ovarian reserve is critically low.

When to Consider Donor Eggs for IVF

Doctors can recommend donor eggs in cases:

  • Where there is a severe depletion of ovarian reserve.
  • If previous IVF cycles with own eggs have led to failure.
  • Genetic condition that is known or suspected
  • There is a history of chromosomal abnormalities and recurrent miscarriages.

Conclusion

IVF at 45 is now a viable option for women looking to conceive a baby late in life, thanks to advancements in science and technology. Even though age has an impact on natural fertility and IVF results, nowadays, a technique like donor egg IVF has been able to effectively close that gap.

At Indira IVF, the team of fertility experts, led by technology, medical skills, and loving counselling, provides comprehensive care to ensure the complete well-being of the patient, making her dream of becoming a mother a reality - even after 45.

Common Questions Asked

What is the best age for IUI treatment?

 

The optimum age for IUI is between 25 and 35 years, when egg quality and ovarian reserve are at their peak.

Can I do IUI at 40 years of age?

 

Yes, but the success rate is lower. The fertility specialist can recommend IVF or other advanced measures to achieve better outcomes.

How many IUI attempts are recommended before IVF?

 

Typically, before IVF is taken into consideration, 3-6 cycles are usually suggested, depending on the fertility screening of individuals.

Does male age also affect IUI success?

 

Yes. Indeed, sperm motility and quality deteriorate with age and may affect fertility and embryo development.

Can lifestyle changes improve IUI success rates?

 

Yes. Proper nutrition, exercise and non-smoking or alcoholism can improve the reproductive health and effectiveness of IUI.

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