Considering IVF in your 40s

There is much to think about when choosing a path of fertility treatment. But there are special considerations for women conceiving in their 40s – primarily that time is their most precious resource.  With that in mind, many patients in their 40s bypass less effective fertility treatment options and move straight to in vitro fertilization (IVF) when trying to conceive.

Texas Fertility Center is a partner supporting your care, and you can count on us to honestly assess your fertility options when conceiving in your 40s. We will empower you to make the best choice to support your family-building plans.

There is an “art” to ART

IVF is the most common and successful form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This process involves egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab and embryo transfer inside the uterus.

One of the reasons IVF in your 40s is a preferred method of fertility treatment is that it is more effective than intrauterine insemination (IUI). In comparing IVF with other fertility options, a patient in her 40s is keenly aware of her ticking biological clock with decreasing fertility. A lessened quantity and quality of eggs means long odds for successful IUI.

Other reasons individuals and couples turn to IVF can include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, ovulatory issues or male factor infertility.

IVF is a multi-step process with complexities unique to each patient. The decision to pursue IVF when conceiving in your 40s is individual, and there is an “art” to ART. Among the factors we consider:

• We treat people, not statistics. Without question, age is a significant factor when considering IVF in your 40s. Texas Fertility Center considers a woman’s ovarian reserve, and we know the impact of age on fertility is truly individual, and there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Our plans are individually customized.
• Quantity and quality matter. A woman’s egg supply is important because it directly impacts the number of eggs that can be retrieved. A lower number of available eggs might result in multiple cycles of IVF. The quality of eggs is important to set the stage for the development of embryos with the appropriate number of chromosomes. This is important because women over 35 run a higher risk of genetically abnormal embryos. However, preimplantation genetic testing may help determine if an embryo is chromosomally normal before transfer.
• Providing help when needed. Sometimes the best option when considering IVF in your 40s is to enlist outside help. A woman in her 40s may have a healthy uterine environment to carry a pregnancy but might secure help from an egg donor. This can be a viable option for women who have a dwindling egg supply or quality.

Making sense of IVF in your 40s

IVF can be a complex process to understand. When conceiving in your 40s, it can feel overwhelming to navigate the science and emotional decisions to pursue this path. Our experienced healthcare team at Texas Fertility Center will offer care, compassion and an honest assessment of your options. Contact us to learn more.