#KhushKhabriWithIVF: 20s and early 30s are said to be the most fertile years in a woman's life. Those who belong to this age group are often advised to explore pregnancy. When couples experience fertility issues, advanced treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) come into play. This involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus to cause a pregnancy.
Many who are in their 40s have their doubts regarding its success and effectiveness. But this is not to suggest that individuals in their 40s cannot opt for this treatment. In fact, many celebrities including choreographer and director Farah Khan Kunder and singer Celine Dion had successful IVF pregnancies in their 40s, giving birth to triplets and twins, respectively.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr M Niharika, Senior Fertility Specialist, Kamineni Fertility, Hyderabad, discusses what IVF in the 40s looks like.
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How Does IVF Work?
According to Dr Niharika, IVF involves multiple steps. “First, fertility medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Next, mature eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure using a thin needle. On the same day, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a donor. Fertilisation occurs in a laboratory dish, where eggs and sperm are combined, sometimes with ICSI, where a single sperm is injected into an egg. Fertilised eggs are cultured in the lab for a few days. Subsequently, one or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus through a thin catheter. After this, a couple of weeks later, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine if implantation was successful,” she explains.
IVF In The 40s
“IVF has no strict age cutoff due to individual reproductive health,” says Dr Niharika, adding that with age, fertility does decline, impacting IVF success, and younger women generally have higher success rates than those in their 40s.
"When a woman is younger than 30, she has an 85% chance to conceive within 1 year. At the age of 30, there is a 75% chance to conceive in the first 12 months. This chance declines to 66% at the age of 35 and 44% at the age of 40. This is due to the effect of ageing on the ovary and eggs," says research published in Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences.
However, according to Dr Niharika, not all hope is lost. Some women in their early 40s with good egg quality still have a shot at successful IVF.
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What Reproductive Health Looks Like In The 40s
Women in their 40s experience a natural decline in fertility due to reduced egg quantity and quality. Research has also found older women are more likely to experience a miscarriage than younger women. “27% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage at age 40 compared to 16% at age 30 or younger,” the academic paper notes.
According to Dr Niharika, egg quality is vital for fertility and IVF success. “As women age, genetic integrity declines, making fertilisation and embryo development harder. Poor quality can lead to failed IVF and miscarriage,” she adds.
How To Improve Egg Quality For A Successful IVF
Improving egg quality for successful IVF can be crucial in increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. While there is no guaranteed method to improve egg quality, certain lifestyle changes and medical interventions may help enhance the chances of producing high-quality eggs. These include:
- Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (particularly folate), and minerals
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in moderate and regular physical activity
- Quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- Managing chronic stress
- Managing underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Conclusion
Pregnancy in your 40s can be challenging, as success rates vary depending on factors like age, egg quality, and overall health. Therefore, couples considering IVF should consult with a fertility specialist to understand their unique situation and make informed decisions.
