IVF Over 35
When people think of IVF, they often imagine a single, standard procedure. However, advances in fertility science have introduced different IVF options, tailored to meet specific needs.
For women over 35, one of the most exciting innovations is IVF with Genetic Testing (PGT-A), which can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy by selecting the “healthiest” embryos to transfer (i.e.those with the correct numbers of chromosomes).
Understanding Your Options
IVF is a widely used fertility treatment that involves stimulating the ovaries with medication to produce multiple eggs that are then fertilised in a lab.
While the process of stimulating the ovaries and retrieving eggs is the same in most IVF treatments, a key difference lies in how the embryos are selected for transfer, particularly with newer advancements like IVF with Genetic Testing (PGT-A).
The Challenge for Women Over 35
As women age, the quality of their eggs naturally declines, increasing the likelihood of embryos with genetic abnormalities. These abnormalities can lead to miscarriages or unsuccessful IVF cycles, making the journey to parenthood more difficult for women over 35. This challenge applies not only to IVF but also to natural conception.
How Does Age Affect Fertility?
Studies indicate that by age 35, approximately 50% of a woman’s embryos are likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which can result in miscarriage or implantation failure.
As women age further, this percentage rises significantly, nearing 80% by their early 40s. This is a key reason why it often takes longer for women to achieve a successful pregnancy as they get older.
Can IVF Improve Egg or Embryo Quality?
No, IVF cannot improve the quality of eggs or embryos. However, it can help by creating multiple embryos and offering the opportunity to screen them using PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy). PGT-A identifies chromosomally normal embryos, allowing for the selection of the most viable ones and significantly increasing the chances of a successful live birth
How Can IVF with Genetic Testing (PGT-A) Improve Success?
PGT-A enables the genetic screening of embryos to identify the healthiest ones, (i.e. those that are chromosomally normal).
By selecting only the most viable embryos, PGT-A significantly increases the chances of implantation and a healthy pregnancy.
For women over 35, this process can greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful live birth with each embryo transfer, while also lowering the risk of miscarriage due to genetic abnormalities.
Family Planning
PGT-A provides individuals with greater control over their fertility journey. By screening embryos, PGT-A helps to offer a clearer understanding of each embryo’s pregnancy potential, making it a valuable tool for family planning.
Which IVF Option is Right for You?
Choosing the right IVF approach depends on factors like age, fertility history, and specific challenges.
For women over 35 or those who have experienced recurrent miscarriages, IVF with PGT-A can offer a higher chance of success.
Consulting with a fertility specialist is the best way to determine which option is right for your unique situation.
IVF with Genetic Testing at Beacon CARE Fertility
Beacon CARE Fertility and our CARE Fertility partners have pioneered IVF with Genetic Testing for over 2 decades.
We are immensely proud that the first baby born in Ireland through IVF with Genetic Testing (PGT-A) was a Beacon CARE baby.
Our world-leading success rates are a reflection of our expertise, experience and technology. Talk to us today. A GP Referral letter is not required.
(Updated December 18, 2024)