Role of Age in Fertility and IVF Success

• Rohit saini
• 28 November 2025

Role of Age in Fertility and IVF Success

For both men and women, age is one of the most significant factors in fertility. Despite the fast advancements in medical technology, such as IVF, biology continues to play a significant role. Couples are better able to make decisions and seek prompt medical assistance when they are aware of how age impacts both natural conception and IVF success.

The Impact of Age on Female Fertility

All of a woman’s eggs are present at birth. Both the amount and quality of her eggs decrease with age. After 35, this decline gets more pronounced.

1. The amount of eggs (ovarian reserve)

Healthy eggs are most abundant in women in their 20s.

The ovarian reserve drastically decreases by the mid-30s.

The quantity of eggs available for fertilization drastically decreases beyond age 40.

A woman’s egg reserve can be evaluated with tests such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and AFC (Antral Follicle Count).

2. Egg Quality

The ability of an embryo to develop into a healthy pregnancy depends on the quality of the egg.
As one ages:

The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities increases

Miscarriage risk rises

Genetic diseases are more likely to occur.

Because of this, women over 35 may have trouble getting pregnant naturally or bringing a pregnancy to term.

The Impact of Age on Male Fertility

Men’s fertility steadily decreases with age, even though they continue to generate sperm throughout their lives.

Age-Related Changes in Male Fertility

reduction in the number of sperm

Inadequate mobility

Sperm morphology (shape) decline

Increased fragmentation of DNA

Additionally, men over 40 may have lower fertility and a higher chance of having a child with genetic defects.

Age’s Effect on IVF Success Rates

Due to the high reliance on egg and sperm quality, IVF success is strongly correlated with age.

IVF Success Rates (Approximate Trends) by Age

The highest success rate is under 35; a high-quality egg increases the likelihood of pregnancy.

35–37: Moderate decrease; with appropriate care, odds are still favorable.

38–40: A discernible decline; additional IVF cycles might be necessary.

40+: Donor eggs may be advised, and success rates drastically decline.

During stimulation, younger women typically generate more eggs, which results in higher-quality embryos.

The Significance of Age in IVF 1. Reaction to Ovarian Stimulation

Younger ovaries react to medicine more favorably, which results in:

More eggs were found

Higher-quality embryos

Increased odds of implantation

2. Health of the Embryo

Chromosome mistakes are more likely to occur in older eggs. Egg quality cannot be enhanced by methods such as PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), but they can assist in identifying healthy embryos.

3. Health of the Uterus

Age-related disorders like fibroids or endometrial problems can potentially impact conception, even though the uterus ages more slowly than eggs.

When Is It Time to Get Fertility Assistance?

Women under 35: following a year of efforts

Women over 35: six months later

Women over 40 should consult right away, even if they want to become pregnant shortly.

Men should seek early examination if their semen analysis is unsatisfactory.

Timely evaluation enhances pregnancy outcomes and aids in the development of a customized treatment plan.

In conclusion

Although aging is a natural and inevitable factor that affects fertility, there is hope at every stage thanks to advanced IVF methods. Couples that are aware of the effects of age are better equipped to make family planning decisions. Seeing an IVF specialist at the appropriate time can greatly improve your chances of getting a healthy pregnancy, regardless of your age.