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.
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.
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:
These late maternal age fertility solutions have made it possible for many women over 45 to become moms again, safely and successfully.
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% |
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.
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.
The majority of females above 45 years cannot conceive naturally, and as such, they need the services of IVF and other ART procedures.
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.
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.
It is a fact that age can not be turned back; however, some lifestyle and medical treatments can still lead to better fertility rates.
Doctors can recommend donor eggs in cases:
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.
The optimum age for IUI is between 25 and 35 years, when egg quality and ovarian reserve are at their peak.
Yes, but the success rate is lower. The fertility specialist can recommend IVF or other advanced measures to achieve better outcomes.
Typically, before IVF is taken into consideration, 3-6 cycles are usually suggested, depending on the fertility screening of individuals.
Yes. Indeed, sperm motility and quality deteriorate with age and may affect fertility and embryo development.
Yes. Proper nutrition, exercise and non-smoking or alcoholism can improve the reproductive health and effectiveness of IUI.