You're over 40 and considering IVF. You've probably heard the statistics, and they're not what you hoped. But here's the truth: women over 40 are the fastest-growing group of new mothers in the US, and IVF — with realistic expectations and the right approach — can still help you build your family.
This guide won't sugarcoat the numbers. Instead, it will give you the honest information you need to make the best decision for your situation.
Success Rates by Age: The Real Numbers
Let's start with the data. These are live birth rates per IVF cycle using your own eggs, based on national averages:
Compare this to women under 35, who have a 40-50% success rate per cycle. The decline is steep, and it's driven by one factor: egg quality.
Why Age Matters So Much
By age 40, the majority of a woman's eggs are chromosomally abnormal. At 43, up to 90% of embryos may carry genetic abnormalities. These embryos either don't implant, result in early miscarriage, or rarely, lead to genetic conditions. This isn't something IVF can fix — it can only work with the eggs you have.
Own Eggs vs. Donor Eggs
This is the most important decision you'll face. Here's how they compare:
IVF with Your Own Eggs
- ✓ Genetic connection to your child
- ✓ Your DNA, your family history
- ✗ Lower success rates (5-20% depending on age)
- ✗ Likely need 2-4+ cycles
- ✗ Higher miscarriage risk
- ✗ Higher genetic abnormality risk
- 💰 Cost: $5,000-$8,000 per cycle
IVF with Donor Eggs
- ✓ High success rates (55-70%)
- ✓ Often successful on first try
- ✓ Lower miscarriage risk
- ✓ Eggs from healthy 20-30 year olds
- ✗ No genetic connection to child
- ✗ Emotional adjustment required
- 💰 Cost: $8,000-$12,000 per cycle
When to Consider Donor Eggs
Donor eggs may be the better path if:
- You're 43 or older
- Your AMH is very low (under 0.5 ng/mL)
- You've had multiple failed IVF cycles with your own eggs
- You've experienced recurrent miscarriages
- Time is critical and you want the highest chance of success
With donor eggs, your age becomes almost irrelevant to success rates. The egg donor's age is what matters, and they're typically under 30.
Strategies to Maximize Success with Your Own Eggs
If you want to try with your own eggs first (and many women do), here's how to give yourself the best chance:
1. PGT-A Genetic Testing
Preimplantation genetic testing screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. If you find a genetically normal embryo, your success rate jumps to 60-70% — similar to a younger woman. The challenge? At 42-43, only 10-30% of embryos are normal. You may need multiple retrieval cycles to find one.
The Math on PGT-A
At 42, if you retrieve 8 eggs, you might get 4 embryos. With a ~20% euploidy rate, statistically less than 1 will be normal. Many women need 2-3 retrieval cycles to bank enough embryos, then test them all, hoping to find 1-2 normal ones to transfer.
2. Embryo Banking (Multiple Retrievals)
Instead of one retrieval and transfer, do several retrievals first. Freeze all embryos, test them with PGT-A, then transfer the best one. This approach maximizes your chances of finding a chromosomally normal embryo.
3. Mini-IVF / Low-Stimulation Protocols
Some clinics advocate for gentler stimulation in older women. The theory: quality over quantity. Instead of pushing for 15 eggs (which may be impossible), aim for 3-5 higher-quality eggs. Requires multiple cycles but may be easier on your body.
4. Supplements and Lifestyle
Evidence is mixed, but many reproductive endocrinologists recommend:
- CoQ10: 400-600mg daily (antioxidant, may improve egg quality)
- DHEA: 25mg 3x daily (hormone precursor, may improve ovarian function)
- Vitamin D: If deficient, supplement to normal levels
- Mediterranean diet: High in antioxidants, healthy fats
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: No more than 1-2 drinks/week, 1-2 coffees/day
- Exercise moderately: But don't overdo it during treatment
Costs in Colombia: IVF Over 40
| Treatment | Colombia Cost | US Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IVF Cycle (own eggs) | $4,500 - $7,000 | $15,000 - $20,000 |
| PGT-A Genetic Testing | $2,000 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Donor Egg IVF | $8,000 - $12,000 | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Medications | $1,500 - $3,000 | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Frozen Embryo Transfer | $1,500 - $2,500 | $4,000 - $7,000 |
At these prices, you could do 2-3 IVF cycles with own eggs in Colombia for less than one cycle in the US. This matters when multiple cycles are expected.
Realistic Expectations by Age
Age 40-41
This is your best window if you're over 40. Success with your own eggs is still meaningful (15-20% per cycle). Plan for 2-3 cycles. PGT-A is highly recommended. Donor eggs are an option but not yet essential for most women.
Age 42-43
Success drops significantly (5-12% per cycle). Multiple retrieval cycles with embryo banking and PGT-A give the best odds. Have an honest conversation with your doctor about when to pivot to donor eggs. Time is your enemy — don't spend years on low-probability attempts.
Age 44+
The math is harsh: 1-3% per cycle with own eggs. Most clinics will counsel you toward donor eggs. Some specialized clinics (like CHR in New York) work with women up to 47-48 with own eggs, but success is rare. If genetic connection is paramount, be prepared for many cycles and possible heartbreak.
The Emotional Reality
IVF at any age is emotionally taxing. Over 40, it can be even harder:
- Failed cycles are likely. Prepare yourself mentally for the probability of needing multiple attempts.
- Miscarriage risk is higher. Even if you get pregnant, there's a 30-40% chance of loss at 40+.
- Time pressure is real. Every month matters. Don't delay decisions.
- Genetic grief. If you move to donor eggs, give yourself time to process the loss of a genetic connection.
Consider working with a fertility counselor. Many clinics offer this, and it can help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster.
Get a Realistic Assessment
We'll connect you with Colombian clinics experienced in treating women over 40 — doctors who will be honest about your chances and help you choose the right path.
Request Free ConsultationWhy Colombia for IVF Over 40?
Cost Efficiency for Multiple Cycles
When you're likely to need 2-4 cycles, Colombia's lower costs make a real difference. Save $30,000-$60,000 compared to US treatment over multiple attempts.
High-Quality Donor Eggs
If you move to donor eggs, Colombia has excellent egg donor programs with diverse donors, short wait times, and thorough screening — at a fraction of US prices.
No Age Limits
Colombian clinics generally treat women up to age 50-52 with donor eggs (and will work with your own eggs as long as it's medically reasonable). They won't turn you away based on age alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try with my own eggs first or go straight to donor?
This is personal. At 40-42, trying with your own eggs is reasonable if you accept lower odds and potential multiple cycles. At 43+, donor eggs offer dramatically better chances. There's no wrong answer — it depends on how important genetic connection is to you and how much time/money you can invest.
How many cycles should I try before switching to donor eggs?
There's no magic number, but most doctors suggest 2-3 cycles with your own eggs. If you're not getting normal embryos on PGT-A or having repeated implantation failures, it may be time to reassess.
Does egg quality ever improve?
Unfortunately, no. Egg quality declines with age and cannot be reversed. Supplements and lifestyle changes may help marginally, but they can't turn back the clock. This is why time is critical.
What's the oldest age Colombia treats with own eggs?
There's no strict cutoff, but realistically, most clinics will work with women up to 44-45 using their own eggs if hormone levels and ovarian reserve support it. Beyond that, donor eggs are strongly recommended.
Is it safe to be pregnant over 40?
Pregnancy over 40 carries higher risks (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, chromosomal abnormalities). However, with proper prenatal care, thousands of women have healthy pregnancies and babies in their 40s every year. Your OB will monitor you more closely.
Read more: Donor Egg IVF Guide | IVF Cost Guide | Choosing a Clinic