As you must already know, IVF is a complex fertility treatment procedure and requires great physical and mental strength to undergo it successfully. Though you might wish to undergo IVF if you can’t get pregnant naturally, it is not that easy.
The Government of India has set up some rules and regulations that must be followed if you wish to undergo IVF. These rules were implemented to protect your health and well-being and prevent you from over-exerting yourself.
Among those rules, the age limit is an important one. In this article, we will discuss all about the age limit of IVF and how your age impacts your success in IVF treatments.
Why Age Limits Exist?
In 2021, the Government of India regulated the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, which included several rules and regulations that should be followed while performing fertility treatments.
According to this act, the age limit for both women and men to undergo IVF is as follows:
- Women: 21 to 50 years old
- Men: 26 to 55 years old
This age limit was implemented mainly for two reasons: the egg & sperm quality and certain health risks.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Poor egg & sperm quality
As your age increases, your fertility will also start to decline. This is the case for both men and women. This is why most doctors recommend a couple undergo IVF before they turn 35.
As fertility decreases, the quality of the eggs and sperm will also decrease. This ultimately decreases the success rate of your fertility treatments.
Risk of certain health conditions
There is a higher risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, miscarriages, preeclampsia, and C-sections with a late pregnancy. It is best to avoid IVF and look for other methods if you are too far in age.
Impact Of Age On Success Rates
Age is one of the most important factors that impact the success rate of your IVF treatments. This is the case for both men and women.
In women, it is mainly attributed to the decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs due to age. Unlike men, women are born with the total number of eggs they will have in their lifetime.
As you release a number of eggs during each menstruation, your egg reserve gradually decreases as you age. The quality of those last few eggs will also not be good.
In men, though they produce new sperm regularly, as age increases, the quality of the sperm will decrease. The sperm might also have certain chromosomal abnormalities that can affect the baby.
to know the relationship between IVF Success rate and Age read the linked article
Other Considerations
The ART Act of 2021 does not just talk about age. It has also given other aspects that one should consider before IVF.
Medical conditions
If either or both the couple have any prior medical conditions that can affect the IVF success rate, they should treat the issue first before starting the fertility treatment.
Marital status
According to the ART Act, not just married couples but also single single women, married or unmarried, can undergo IVF using a donor sperm.
Counselling
Couples can also undergo counseling if they wish to address any emotional or psychological aspects of the treatment.
Conclusion
Age is an important factor that one should consider when undergoing fertility treatments, as it has the potential to affect your IVF success rates. If you have any concerns or doubts regarding your success in IVF treatments, it is best to immediately consult your fertility hospital and clarify them.
Believe in your fertility doctor and follow their instructions during the IVF procedures. They will know how to increase your chances of a successful IVF pregnancy.
FAQs
According to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act of 2021, the age limit for both women and men to undergo IVF is as follows:
- Women: 21 to 50 years old
- Men: 26 to 55 years old
You can still hope to get a successful IVF pregnancy if you are in your late 30s or early 40s. However, as you cross your mid-30s, the success rate gradually decreases. By then, it will be very late to undergo IVF.
The age limit for women to undergo IVF treatment is 21–50 years. This age limit was derived based on the following factors:
- Health & medical conditions
- Clinic policies
- Decreased egg & sperm quality
