Is 40 Too Old for IVF?

Many of us dream of starting or expanding our families. But we keep delaying taking the next step as career choices and ever-rising costs make the decision to give birth difficult. However, the longer we put off having children, the more difficult it becomes to start a family naturally.

There are assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Yet, the closer we get to the end of our 30s, the more we ask ourselves if 40 is too old to be undergoing IVF treatment.

While it’s widely known that a woman’s fertility declines with age, advancements in reproductive medicine have made it possible for women aged 40 and beyond to realize their dreams of parenthood through IVF. However, it’s essential to understand the challenges and options associated with IVF after the age of 40.

 

Lower Egg Quantity and Quality

One of the primary reasons fertility decreases with age, particularly after 40, is the lower quality of eggs. Women are born with a limited number of eggs, and as they mature, the quantity and quality of these eggs decline. This decrease in egg quality can lead to challenges in achieving a successful pregnancy through IVF, as viable embryos are less likely to form.

Additionally, other factors can impact fertility, including overall health and lifestyle choices. Health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure can affect fertility, as can lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promptly addressing any underlying health issues are crucial steps for optimizing fertility, especially for women over 40 undergoing IVF.

 

IVF Offers the Best Chance of Conceiving After 40

Despite these challenges, many women aged 40 and beyond have successfully conceived through IVF. One option that may increase the chances of success is using an egg donor. Utilizing eggs from a younger, healthier donor increases the likelihood of producing viable embryos, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Another option is to use intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) while undergoing IVF treatment. This is a technique where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.

 

Visit VFC Center at Vejthani Hospital

When considering IVF after the age of 40, seeking professional consultation from fertility specialists to explore all the available options is crucial. At VFC Center, an ivf clinic in Bangkok at Vejthani Hospital, we understand the unique needs and concerns of women undergoing IVF later in life. Our team of knowledgable and experienced fertility specialists is dedicated to providing you with a thorough education on all the options open to your specific case and providing personalized care and support throughout your IVF treatment.

VFC Center is renowned as a leading fertility clinic in Thailand, offering state-of-the-art facilities and advanced reproductive technologies. Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and support staff who are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

In addition to our clinical excellence, VFC Center prioritizes patient comfort and convenience. Our modern facility offers a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease throughout your treatment. We are also a full-service fertility center. In addition to our quality IVF services, we provide:

Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR)

The VFC Center offers PESA, TESE, MESA and TESA surgical sperm retrieval techniques. These procedures can be performed under local anaesthesia in the doctor’s examining room.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This procedure is timed to a woman’s ovulation cycle and increases the chances of conception. The sperm are retrieved from the male, washed and analyzed to select the highly motile sperm. The sperm are injected into the uterus by a catheter at the peak of the women’s ovulation cycle.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

PGD is used to diagnose embryos of genetic diseases. It detects inherited genetic diseases like Thalassemia and is part of the IVF treatment at VFC Center. We also offer PGD as a stand-alone service for couples who are known carriers of genetic diseases.

 

IVF at VFC Center Provides Your Best Chance of Success

If you’re considering IVF after the age of 40, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at VFC Center at Vejthani Hospital. With our expertise and dedication, we can help you increase your chances of success and realize your dream of starting or expanding your family. Book an appointment at VFC Center today.

Article by Dr.Worawat Siripoon