IVF Success for Different Age Groups: National Rates
Just as age is an important factor in fertility, it continues to influence success rates during in vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure in which a woman’s eggs are fertilized in a lab setting and then transferred to the womb in order to be carried to term.
In general, national averages of IVF resulting in a live birth in women under the age of 35 is about 40 percent successful. That rate drops to around 22 percent by the late 30s. Over age 42, the success rate is less than 4 percent.
If age statistics have you concerned, the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles may be your ideal resource for IVF and age questions. The fertility center has a record of IVF success rates that are higher than national averages in all age categories.
National IVF Success Rates by Age
The Society for Reproductive Assisted Technology (SART), in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), reports annually on national IVF treatment and success rates. Using data for the year 2012, the most current available, here are national success rates for live births from non-donor embryos:
|
Age |
Fresh Embryo |
Thawed Embryo |
|
Under 35 |
40.7 |
42.4 |
|
35-37 |
31.3 |
39.8 |
|
38-40 |
22.2 |
33.9 |
|
41-42 |
11.8 |
26.4 |
|
Over 42 |
3.9 |
17.8 |
The chart shows two significant trends:
- Age is a factor. Women under 35 using fresh embryos have about a 40 percent success rate, which drops to about 12 percent for women in their early 40s. The same trend, though less extreme, occurs with thawed embryos.
- Using thawed embryos improves a woman’s chances across the age spectrum, with the greatest benefit seen for women in their early 40s. Between the ages of 41 and 42, a woman using a fresh embryo has an 11.8 percent success rate. But if a thawed embryo is used, her success rate more than doubles, jumping to 26.4 percent.
Donor IVF Success Rates
In comparison, donor eggs, particularly fresh embryos, have a high degree of success for women in all age groups.
When fresh donor embryos are used, there is a 56.6 percent success rate for live births. With thawed donor embryos, the rate drops to 37.2 percent. Because success rates with donor eggs are not as dependent on a woman’s age, donor egg success is not categorized by age.
For women over 40, this is significant. Donor eggs greatly improve an older woman’s chances of giving birth.
Statistics & You
Statistics are useful for looking at trends, but they do not predict individual outcomes. Many factors other than age can make an individual’s chances better than what statistics show, or worse. Other factors that can influence IVF success rates include:
- Type of infertility problems, such as miscarriage.
- Embryo/egg quality.
- Male infertility issues.
- History of recurrent miscarriage.
- Competency of the IVF clinic or lab.
Next Steps
Due to all the variables with IVF, a personal consultation is the best place to start when you are having trouble getting pregnant.
The Center for Fertility and Gynecology, which was established in 1987, is one of the leading fertility care and infertility treatment providers in the Los Angeles area. Not only does the center have an exceptional success rate, but it is also willing to treat even the most difficult cases.