Fertility treatment over 40

Many women and couples today wait until later in life to have a child. Pregnancy is still possible over the age of 40. However, a woman’s natural fertility decreases significantly with age. Therefore, it is particularly important not to wait too long for an individual assessment when trying for a baby over 40.

Why does fertility decline after 40?

A woman’s fertility begins to decline more sharply from around the age of 35. From the age of 40, this decline accelerates significantly. The main cause for this is the decreasing number and quality of the remaining eggs.

As age increases, the proportion of eggs with chromosomal changes rises in particular. This reduces the likelihood of an egg developing into a viable embryo and resulting in a pregnancy. At the same time, the risk of miscarriage increases.

From around the age of 45, pregnancies using one’s own eggs are very rare.

Assisted reproduction over 40

Even assisted reproduction using IVF or ICSI cannot reverse the age-related decline in egg quality. Therefore, the success rates of fertility treatment for women over 40 are lower than for younger women.

However, IVF or ICSI treatment can help to make the best possible use of the existing chances. Which treatment is appropriate depends, among other things, on age, ovarian reserve, hormone levels, the number of follicles present, and individual medical history.

For women over 40 in particular, an individual assessment of personal success rates is therefore especially important. In some cases, several treatment cycles may be necessary.

Up to what age do we perform fertility treatments?

As age increases, the prospects of success for treatment using one’s own eggs become increasingly lower. In our fertility clinic, the age limit for fertility treatments using one’s own eggs is therefore usually 43 years for medical and ethical reasons. In justified individual cases, exceptions can be made following an individual medical assessment.

Fertility treatment over 40: seek advice early

Time plays an important role when trying for a baby over 40. We therefore recommend not trying to get pregnant for a long period without an assessment, but rather seeking advice early on.

In a personal consultation, we can assess your individual situation, evaluate the existing ovarian reserve and fertility, and discuss with you which treatment options are appropriate.