IVF has been a lifesaver to numerous couples all over the world who have been suffering from infertility. Even with the vast majority of factors influencing treatment effectiveness, age is still regarded as one of the most important determinants. The ability of the ovaries to produce healthy eggs naturally declines with age, and this directly impacts the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy through IVF. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), age-related reduction in fertility is the primary cause of infertility, which affects around one in six (around 17.5%) people worldwide.
A woman's egg supply is limited, and as she ages, both the quantity and quality of her eggs decline. The drop further increases past the middle of the 30s, which is why there are fewer chances of fertilisation, and the probability of chromosomal anomalies increases.
Understanding this age effect can assist couples to make wiser choices and to consult medical advice in time.
Women's biological infertility typically occurs 10–12 years before the time of menopause, and most women enter menopause in their early fifties. Fecundability, which is the chance of conception in one menstrual cycle, has been documented to decline starting from the early 30s and to sharply diminish beyond the age of 35.
The success rate of IVF is generally the highest for women under 35. This is so because the eggs of these women are more likely to be chromosomally normal; thus, better fertilisation and a higher implantation probability. Based on the data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average rate of live birth for women under 35 is about 40–50% per IVF cycle.
Several factors can influence outcomes, including:
Although the IVF success rates under 35 Bangladesh remain the main source of encouragement, it is essential to have a realistic approach towards IVF. Not every attempt will result in a pregnancy; hence, the availability of emotional support is very important throughout the journey.
As the years go by, and women reach 40 and then go beyond, the quality of the eggs is degraded. This is the reason why IVF results are less successful for them compared to those of younger age. The average live birth rate per IVF cycle for women aged 35–37 is 30–35%. The IVF success rates under 40 Bangladesh is reduced to about 20–25% for those in the 38–40 age range.
Several factors contribute to the decreased success rates in this age group:
Despite these challenges, many women over 40 successfully conceive through IVF.
There are very few women in their 45s who are still fertile. The 45-year life span is also the most difficult in the entire reproductive process. To put it differently, all of the limitations that are part of motherhood will be more visible after the age of 44, and they will have a negative impact on IVF results. A woman between 35 and 37 years on average can give birth in 30-35% of cases per one IVF cycle. In the age group between 38 and 40 years, the rate is halved, IVF success rates under 45 Bangladesh going down to approximately 20–25%.
There are several reasons behind this:
Few women are able to overcome this difficult circumstance and become pregnant with the assistance of medical professionals and supportive care.
The chances of success in IVF directly depend on the age factor. But, there are also several biological and lifestyle factors which are responsible for it:
Despite this, sperm quality, lifestyle, PCOS, endometriosis, and the clinic's level of expertise are the variables that might affect IVF success factors Bangladesh.
Though age is a factor out of the couple's control, they can support the success of IVF by making certain choices that include:
The method of IVF has been a ray of hope for countless couples suffering from infertility. Nevertheless, the percentages of its success fluctuate considerably depending on the age; thus, the best results are achieved in women younger than 35 years, and afterwards, the outcomes slowly decrease. However, if the right guidance is sought at the right time and if the lifestyle is supportive, a great number of couples can still hold on to the expectancy of achieving pregnancies successfully. Consulting a fertility specialist at Indira IVF in Bangladesh and understanding what is possible and what is not will make the trip a bit easier and more uplifting.
Chief Infertility Specialist, MBBS(DU), FCPS(Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Fellowship in Assisted reproduction
Dr. Umme Ruman is a BMDC-registered infertility specialist based in Dhaka. She holds advanced qualifications in assisted reproductive techniques, sexual and reproductive medicine. Dr. Ruman serves as a Chief Consultant at Indira IVF Dhaka, helping patients with personalised fertility care based on her vast experience and expertise. Her knowledge and compassion will support couples navigating reproductive health challenges and guide them effectively towards their parenthood dreams.
IVF specialist, MBBS (SSMC), MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Fellowship in Assisted reproduction
Dr. Rezwana Kabir is a BMDC-registered specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, and now a part of Indira IVF’s team of fertility specialists in Bangladesh. She combines medical proficiency with a patient-centric approach, offering tailored solutions to couples seeking fertility assistance. She is committed to helping individuals confidently navigate the journey to parenthood through ethical, empathetic, and evidence-based care.
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