I am over 45. What is the chance of using my own eggs for IVF?
Recently, many women have been choosing to postpone motherhood for a variety of reasons, such as pursuing their career goals or not finding the right partner. As they reach the age of 45 and beyond, they often wonder if it is still possible to conceive using their own eggs. For women in this age group, the possibility of becoming a mother using their own eggs significantly decreases. The chances of a successful pregnancy with their own eggs are greatly diminished due to the natural decline in fertility with age. While there are exceptions, it is generally unlikely that women over the age of 45 will have a successful IVF outcome using their own eggs.
Furthermore, as a woman ages, the risk of aneuploidy (chromosomal abnormalities) in the embryo increases. Aneuploidy is a condition where the embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, Patau Syndrome or can result in miscarriage. Studies have shown that the rate of aneuploidy in embryos rises significantly after the age of 35 and continues to increase with advancing age. By age 45, the majority of a woman’s eggs are likely to be aneuploid, making it more challenging to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Therefore, the only viable option for these women to conceive with their own genetic material is if they had the foresight to cryopreserve their eggs at a younger age when their eggs were more viable. Egg freezing at an earlier age preserves the quality and viability of the eggs, offering a potential pathway to motherhood later in life despite the natural decline in fertility that occurs with age. Egg freezing at an earlier stage in life provides a safeguard, allowing women to pursue motherhood later with a higher chance of success.
What are the IVF treatment options for women over 45?
While the journey to motherhood for women over 45 through IVF may present unique challenges, it also offers a range of effective treatment options tailored to individual circumstances. By consulting with a qualified fertility specialist and exploring these IVF options, women can make informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations for starting or expanding their families later in life.
1. Option: IVF with Own Eggs
IVF using a woman’s own eggs remains a possibility for some women over 45, but success rates tend to be lower compared to younger women. Prior to starting IVF, comprehensive ovarian reserve testing is crucial to assess egg quantity and quality accurately. While the chances of conception naturally decline with age, individual factors such as overall health and ovarian reserve status play significant roles in determining the feasibility and success of IVF with own eggs.
2. Option: IVF with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Women aged 45-50 can explore IVF treatment using their own eggs, provided their hormone levels—such as AMH, FSH, E2, and antral follicle counts—indicate sufficient ovarian reserve. However, due to the increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos with advancing maternal age, undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is strongly recommended. PGT-A allows for the selection of embryos with normal chromosome numbers, thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage and increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Consulting with a fertility specialist to assess ovarian reserve and discuss PGT-A options is crucial in determining the most suitable path forward for achieving a healthy pregnancy later in life.
At Cyprus IVF Hospital, we conduct Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) using two advanced techniques: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a laboratory technique used to detect specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. It enables the identification of common abnormalities on chromosomes 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y out of the 23 pairs of chromosomes.
In contrast, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a more advanced technology utilized for preimplantation genetic testing. Unlike FISH, NGS offers a comprehensive analysis of all 23 pairs of chromosomes in embryos. This method provides early detection of various chromosomal abnormalities, whether structural or numerical, enhancing the accuracy and depth of genetic screening during IVF treatments.
The appropriate PGT-A testing method for your case will be determined based on your medical background, including factors such as age, reproductive health, IVF history (if applicable), miscarriages, and implantation failures.
3. Option: Tandem IVF
The tandem cycle is an IVF program in which both the expectant mother and the egg donor are simultaneously prepared for the egg retrieval procedure.
Designed for women with a low ovarian reserve, the Tandem IVF program allows patients to attempt IVF treatment with their own eggs first and then use donor eggs if the initial attempt is unsuccessful.
Fertility declines with age, and as a result, IVF success rates also decrease. This is due to the lower chances of conceiving with a woman’s own eggs because of diminished ovarian reserve and egg quality. Tandem IVF is an excellent option for women of advanced reproductive age (over 40) or those with low ovarian reserve, regardless of age.
After analyzing test and scan results, our IVF specialist may recommend a Tandem IVF cycle to increase the chances of achieving pregnancy.
The Tandem IVF Process
Tandem IVF is a fertility treatment program where both your eggs and the donor’s eggs are used to create embryos for implantation. This treatment combines regular IVF and IVF with egg donation.
At Cyprus IVF Hospital, the Tandem IVF program begins with our IVF Specialist reviewing your and your partner’s most recent blood tests and health reports to understand your case and ensure that this program suits you.
Next, we search for the best donor candidate for you. All our egg donors are anonymous, aged between 21-31, and have undergone extensive screening for infectious diseases and common genetic conditions before becoming donors at our hospital.
Once you select your donor, we will simultaneously start the egg stimulation process for both you and the donor. After the egg retrieval procedure, the partner’s sperm will fertilize the collected eggs, creating two sets of embryos: one from your eggs and another from the donor’s eggs.
Who Should Consider Tandem IVF?
Tandem IVF is designed for patients who want to try IVF with their own eggs first and then use donor eggs if the initial treatment does not result in pregnancy.
Women who are not yet in menopause (still menstruating) and have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles due to diminished ovarian reserve and poor egg quality may consider Tandem IVF.
Why Choose Tandem IVF?
If you have a low ovarian reserve and want to avoid the time loss associated with starting a new IVF treatment with donor eggs if your current IVF cycle does not result in pregnancy, you might consider Tandem IVF.
Additionally, Tandem IVF is cost-effective as it allows you to combine two programs (IVF with your eggs and IVF with donor eggs) instead of undergoing each treatment separately.
4. Option: IVF with Donor Eggs
For women over 45 facing challenges with their own eggs, IVF using donor eggs offers a highly successful alternative. Donor eggs are typically sourced from younger, healthy women who undergo rigorous screening processes. These eggs have a higher likelihood of being chromosomally normal, thereby significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth. The donor egg process involves selecting a suitable donor, synchronizing menstrual cycles, and undergoing embryo transfer.
Aside from older women, IVF with donor eggs is also a viable option for various situations:
What are the Requirements for Donor Selection?
Each region or country may have specific guidelines and requirements for donor selection, donor anonymity, reflecting cultural, legal, and medical considerations. In North Cyprus, all egg donors are required to remain anonymous, in accordance with local regulations. At Cyprus IVF Hospital we adhere to rigorous criteria when selecting egg donors to ensure the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients. These criteria typically include age (aged between 21 and 31 years), physical health, reproductive history, genetic screening, psychological evaluation, and sometimes ethnic background to match the intended parents’ preferences. Our selection process prioritizes donors who are in good health, have a proven fertility record, and undergo comprehensive screening to minimize risks and optimize the success of IVF treatments.
How is the Egg Donor selection Process?
Before starting the IVF program, you and your partner will be asked to fill out a patient information form, which will help us to have information about your general health, fertility status, and medical history to understand your case better.
After our doctor examines your tests and confirms the treatment option with you, we will ask you to fill out an Egg Donor Recipient form to start searching for the best donor candidate for you. We have a diverse egg donor network, so once we get information about your physical characteristics and blood type, we will check for and send you the most suitable donor options so you can choose one.
In the case of egg donation, the appropriate donor is selected according to the mother’s physical characteristics to increase the possibility that the baby looks like the intended mother (The same is considered for the sperm donor as well in the sperm donation procedure).
What is the success rate for IVF with egg donation at Cyprus IVF Hospital?
The success rates can vary each year depending on several factors, as per below;
The success rate in IVF with egg donation at our hospital is up to 86%, based on our 2023 operational results.
Why to Choose Cyprus IVF Hospital for IVF with Egg Donation?
5. Option: Pregnancy Guaranteed IVF Egg Donation Program
At Cyprus IVF Hospital, we also offer a Pregnancy Guaranteed IVF program with Egg Donation for women up to the age of 50. We understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with undergoing multiple IVF attempts without achieving a positive pregnancy result. Our top priority is to ensure that our patients feel as comfortable and supported as possible throughout their IVF journey.
To alleviate concerns, including the financial burden of IVF treatment, we have developed the Pregnancy Guaranteed IVF Egg Donation Program. This program is designed to provide peace of mind by guaranteeing a successful pregnancy or offering a 100% refund if the desired outcome is not achieved after three complete IVF cycles.
Key Features of Our Pregnancy Guaranteed IVF Egg Donation Program:
Our Pregnancy Guaranteed IVF Egg Donation Program is crafted to remove both psychological and financial barriers, allowing you to focus on your journey toward parenthood with reassurance and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to IVF using donor eggs, age is less of a critical factor compared to IVF with a woman’s own eggs. Here’s why:
- Egg Quality: In IVF cycles using a woman’s own eggs, the quality of those eggs declines significantly with age. Women over 40 often experience lower success rates due to diminished ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. However, with donor eggs, the age of the egg donor (typically between 21-31 years) ensures high-quality eggs, which significantly boosts the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Uterine Health: While the quality of eggs is essential, the age of the woman receiving the donor eggs does still play a role in IVF success. The primary concern for older women is the health of the uterus. As long as the uterus is healthy and capable of sustaining a pregnancy, women well into their 40s and even early 50s can successfully carry a pregnancy to term using donor eggs.
- Overall Health: The general health of the woman undergoing IVF is crucial. Women over 40 should undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are physically prepared for pregnancy. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other age-related health issues need to be managed effectively to minimize risks during pregnancy.
- Increased Success Rates: Using donor eggs generally leads to higher success rates for older women compared to using their own eggs. This is because the eggs are from younger, healthy donors, increasing the chances of successful fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy.
- Genetic Considerations: Since the eggs come from a younger donor, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, is significantly lower. This reduces the need for extensive genetic testing and increases the likelihood of a healthy baby.
In summary, while a woman’s age does impact overall IVF success, using donor eggs minimizes many of the age-related challenges. The critical factors shift from egg quality to uterine health and general well-being. Therefore, even older women can have successful pregnancies with donor eggs, provided they are in good health and have a receptive uterine environment.
Although pursuing motherhood through IVF can be a challenging journey for single women over the age of 45, various treatment options are still available to enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Embryo Donation (Double Donation)
Embryo donation, also known as double donation, is a process where both the egg and sperm are donated to create an embryo. This option is ideal for women over 45 who may have a diminished ovarian reserve and require donor sperm. At our hospital, we work with the European Sperm Bank and Cyros International to obtain sperm. All donors undergo comprehensive health screenings and genetic testing to ensure the highest level of safety by the sperm banks. Donor’s characteristic information is available on Sperm Bank’s website.
At our hospital, the embryo donation program offers flexibility with both fresh and frozen embryo options, catering to the preferences and specific needs of our patients.
- Tandem IVF with Donor Sperm
Tandem IVF is a unique program where both the woman’s eggs and donor eggs are used to create embryos simultaneously. For single women over 45, this approach can be paired with sperm donation. Donor sperm is used to fertilize both sets of eggs, providing the necessary genetic material for embryo creation.
- Embryo Adoption
At our hospital, our approach to embryo adoption differs from traditional practices. We do not offer remaining embryos from other patients, even with their consent. Instead, we create embryo sets using donated eggs and sperm, offering patients the flexibility to adopt between 1 to 4 embryos. These embryos are stored frozen at our facility, ready for use at any time.
Our embryo adoption program is also open to couples facing infertility issues involving both partners. Once our doctor reviews your medical tests and discusses treatment options with you, we will guide you through filling out a donor-recipient form. This form includes details about your physical characteristics and blood type preferences. Based on your preferences, we will then present you with the most suitable donor options for you to choose from.
This personalized approach ensures that you have control over selecting embryos that align with your preferences and medical needs, while our comprehensive screening and storage protocols uphold the highest standards of safety and quality assurance.
