For women, the age between 20 to 30 is considered the ideal time for planning a pregnancy. As a woman ages, particularly after 30—and more significantly after 35—the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries begin to decline. This natural aging process affects fertility and can make it more challenging to conceive, even with the help of IVF. Age-related medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, fibroids, or endometriosis may also develop, further reducing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Additionally, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases with age. However, thanks to advancements in fertility treatments such as egg freezing, PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), and donor egg programs, many women can still conceive and deliver healthy babies even after 35. Let’s take a closer look at these age-related challenges and how modern IVF practices can help.
1. Declining Ovarian Reserve:
One of the biggest concerns after 35 is a decrease in ovarian reserve. With age, the ovaries produce fewer high-quality eggs, leading to fewer viable embryos during IVF. Unfortunately, there are no medicines currently available that can reverse this age-related decline—just like other organs, ovaries also “age.” This is why it’s important to consider fertility preservation methods like egg or embryo freezing before the age of 30 if you plan to postpone pregnancy.
2. Egg Quality and Chromosomal Abnormalities:
As egg quality diminishes with age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases. This results in a higher chance of genetically abnormal embryos, leading to failed pregnancies or birth defects. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can help by identifying chromosomally normal embryos, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Another option is using donor eggs from women aged 20–30, which significantly increases the likelihood of producing genetically healthy embryos.
3. Poor Response to Ovarian Stimulation:
With increasing age, the ovaries may not respond well to fertility medications, requiring higher doses or longer stimulation periods. In some cases, egg retrieval may have to be canceled due to poor response. Donor egg programs can offer a promising solution in such cases, giving women a higher chance of success.
4. Financial and Emotional Stress:
As the quality and quantity of eggs decline, the number of successful embryos also drops, often requiring multiple IVF cycles. This can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. That’s why it’s crucial to be mentally and financially prepared in advance and to explore all available options and support systems.
Book an appointment -
While IVF after 35 comes with challenges, it is far from impossible. With the right planning, advanced technologies like PGT, and fertility preservation methods, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies. If you’re considering delaying pregnancy or facing difficulties conceiving, consult with our fertility experts today to explore personalized solutions, including egg freezing, genetic testing, and donor egg programs. Take control of your fertility—your future family starts with a conversation.
