IVF with donor eggs in your 40s

As more women are delaying starting a family, it’s quite likely you feel as though you have truly arrived in your 40s, established both professionally and personally.

But physically, getting pregnant later in life can be challenging. But this does not have to dash your family-building dreams. Thanks to advances in fertility treatment, our Austin fertility doctors can provide options to women, including IVF at 40 using donor eggs.

IVF with donor eggs can increase your chances of pregnancy

Age is a significant factor in any woman’s fertility as the quantity and quantity of eggs (ovarian reserve) noticeably declines around age 37 and takes a steeper drop at age 40. While the rate of decline is individual, once reaching the age of 40, a woman’s chances of conceiving naturally have dropped to under 5% according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Given this reality, IVF at 40 can offer slightly better odds of conceiving. Ovarian reserve is one of the most critical factors involved in determining the quality of the embryo, and the success of the IVF cycle. Some women are outliers, producing an above-average quantity of eggs, but that might not curtail the natural degeneration of those eggs (atresia). For instance, the normal reproductive aging process can lead to a higher risk of genetically or chromosomally abnormal embryos.

While each case is individual, the odds of a successful cycle of IVF at 40 using your own eggs generally hovers around 10%. Our Austin fertility doctors empower patients to make the best possible treatment decisions by explaining all available options. Some women in their 40s opt for IVF with donor eggs, which can boast success rates closer to 70%.

Important decisions in the donor egg process

Our Austin fertility doctors can offer an in-house egg donor program with high-quality egg donors who undergo comprehensive physical, mental, genetic and reproductive health screening. This can simplify the IVF process by streamlining your decision.

Those considering IVF with donor eggs can use their partner’s sperm to fertilize an egg from a donor. The resulting embryo can be transferred to your uterus in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy. The baby won’t share your genes but will have your partner’s genes unless using donor sperm.

Prospective parents can view donor profiles. We recommend that you make a list of the qualities you seek in an egg donor, but also keep an open mind. The profile information includes:

• Physical attributes (height, body build, eye color, blood type)
• Personal and family medical history
• Ethnic and religious background
• Level of education
• Special interests

We are also happy to work with a known donor of your choosing or other reputable egg donation agencies if you have a donor in mind. Donor eggs can arrive from a frozen egg bank, or a selected donor can arrive for a fresh IVF cycle.

There is a lot to consider with IVF at 40, or if opting for IVF with egg donation. Our Austin fertility doctors are equipped to answer all of your questions. Contact us to learn if IVF with donor eggs might be right for you.