IVF for Women Over 40
Undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women over 40 presents unique challenges for both the doctor and the patient, as the success rates in this age group are notably lower compared to younger women. Treatment protocols for women over 40 differ significantly from those used for women under 40.
Challenges of IVF Success for Women Over 40
- Reduced Egg Quantity and Quality:
- The number and quality of eggs in women over 40 are often significantly diminished, and in some cases, eggs may not be viable at all.
- The doctor must professionally explain these possibilities to the patient before starting IVF treatment to manage expectations and minimize emotional distress in the event of failure.
- Ovarian Function:
- The functionality and quality of ovaries in women over 40 are drastically different compared to younger women.
- Genetic Testing:
- If pregnancy occurs at this age, the woman is advised to undergo genetic testing of the amniotic fluid to rule out genetic abnormalities. This test is mandatory for pregnancies achieved through IVF in this age group.
- Success Rates:
- The global success rate of IVF for women over 40 is no more than 20%. It is important for women in this age group to be fully informed about this to avoid unrealistic expectations. However, as long as eggs are available, there is always hope.
Important Note:
- Legal Restrictions:
- Legal procedures related to IVF vary by country. In Turkey, gender selection of the embryo is prohibited.
- FSH Levels and Fertility:
- High levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) are not always a definitive indicator of infertility. There are cases where women with high FSH levels have successfully conceived.
Ovarian Pool Assessment (Egg Pool)
- Ultrasound Examination:
- For women over 40, ultrasound scans are performed on the second day of the menstrual cycle to assess the quantity, size, and quality of eggs. If the egg count is between 1 and 4, the treatment begins with medications, hormones, and vitamins.
- Egg Retrieval and Freezing:
- On the day of egg retrieval, typically 2 eggs are collected and frozen without fertilization.
- This process is repeated until a minimum of 7 eggs is accumulated in the lab.
- Fertilization and Genetic Testing:
- Once sufficient eggs are collected, the doctor fertilizes them in the embryology lab and monitors the embryos for five days.
- Afterward, the doctor decides whether to proceed with embryo transfer or to conduct genetic testing to exclude embryos with genetic abnormalities, which significantly increases the success rate.
Specialized Technique
- The Ovarian Pool Technique is exclusively available at the Istanbul IVF Center.
