Role of Age in IVF Treatment Success
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-known treatment proven to be beneficial for people who have difficulty conceiving naturally. While IVF has proven to be remarkable, there are certain factors that can negatively impact IVF treatment and lead to unsuccessful results. These negative results include various factors, with age being one of the critical ones, but it is not impossible to conceive in older age. Let us understand the role of age in the success of IVF treatment.
What is IVF treatment?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that takes place outside of the human body. In order to mature the eggs, the ovaries are stimulated through medical procedures; once matured, they are mixed with the male sperm in a lab environment, and then one or more fertilized eggs are implanted in the uterus with hopes of pregnancy. IVF treatment is favoured by those who are unable to conceive because of blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, and unexplained infertility.
Role of age in the success of IVF treatment in Women
The age of the woman impacts pregnancy on a large scale, be it natural pregnancy or alternative pregnancy methods. It is often believed that women’s peak fertility age is between 24-35 this is when the chance of conceiving is the highest. When women cross the age of 35, the probability of having a successful pregnancy declines due to various factors like the formation of fibroids in the uterus, problems with endometriosis, pelvic inflammation and other health problems that directly or indirectly impact the probability of pregnancy.
Quality of eggs:
As women go past the ideal age of fertility, there is a visible decrease in the quantity as well as the quality of the eggs. The quality of eggs is one of the crucial factors to conceive and have healthy infant. With technological advancements, there are treatments like preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which help select the best embryo for implantation, thereby increasing the chance of pregnancy in women, especially older women. As you become older, the chances of incurring uterus health conditions like fibroids and endometriosis increase, which can affect the quality of your eggs leading with abnormalities that can negatively impact phases like embryo development and heighten the chance of miscarriage.
Uterine lining:
With age, the uterine lining starts getting less receptive, which decreases the chances of successful embryo implantation. Early pregnancy loss and unsuccessful implantation might result from an excessively thin or thick uterine lining. This results in a failed IVF treatment.
Role of age in the success of IVF treatment in Men:
The age of the male partner plays an important role in the success of IVF treatment. As men age, the quality of sperm and health conditions that they incur can negatively impact the success of IVF treatment.
Sperm quality:
Male fertility declines with age, but it is not as drastic as females. Older men tend to have low sperm count, decreased sperm quality, low motility and morphology sperm, this condition makes it difficult for the sperm to make its way to the egg and fertilize it. This reduces the chances of fertility in older men.
Genetic Factors:
Older men may face fertility challenges through certain health conditions that affect their sperm production and expose them to a higher risk of transferring genetic abnormalities to their offspring.
As we have seen that age plays a huge role in IVF treatments success rate, it is important to note that along with this there are other factors that influence the success of IVF treatments too.
Other factors influencing the success of IVF treatment
Lifestyle choices:
An individual’s lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on the success of IVF treatment. Factors like smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity can negatively impact fertility and reduce chances of conceiving. If you do not suffer from any major health condition that interferes with your fertility, then just maintaining a healthy lifestyle by including regular exercises and balanced diet can be a transforming step to increase your chances for successful pregnancy with IVF treatment.
Health Conditions:
Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and thyroid can affect fertility and IVF success. Seeking early guidance and talking to a fertility specialist can help with enhancing your chances of fertility and pregnancy through IVF treatment.
IVF treatment clinic expertise:
A point that many people tend to overlook is the expertise of an IVF clinic. It is important to do your own research and consider the success rates, expert specialists and testimonials of an IVF clinic before finalizing it. Considering that an IVF treatment is an important and costly decision, it is essential to choose the right clinic that provides advanced technologies and options that cater to your specific requirements.
Emotional and Psychological factors:
It is essential to look after your mental well-being when going through an IVF treatment. Stress and anxiety are natural emotions to experience in these stages, but it is important to take steps to manage them; you can do so by considering counselling, being part of support groups and by the support of family and friends throughout your journey.
Conclusion
While in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has offered a path to parenthood for many facing infertility, age remains a significant factor influencing its success. For women, age above 35 can impact egg quality, uterine receptivity, and overall fertility, though technologies like preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can help. Men also face age-related declines in sperm quality, but these are less severe. Beyond age there are other lifestyle choices that play crucial roles in the IVF treatment’s success. Researching and visiting the best IVF centre for your needs can enhance the chances of a successful IVF treatment, making it possible for many to achieve their dreams of having a child.
