In today’s world, more women are choosing to have children later in life. Whether it’s due to career priorities, financial planning, late marriages, or personal reasons, the average age of starting a family is steadily rising, especially in urban India. But as the age increases, so do the concerns about fertility. One of the most common questions women over 35 ask is: “Will IVF work for me?” Unfortunately, this question is often surrounded by confusion, myths, and fear.
Understanding IVF and Age
After 30, the number and quality of a woman’s eggs start to reduce, and the drop becomes more noticeable after 35. By the time a woman crosses 40, natural conception becomes significantly more difficult. This is where assisted reproductive technologies like IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) become relevant.
But here’s the good news, IVF can still be highly successful in women over 35. With the right medical care and timely intervention, thousands of Indian women in their late 30s and early 40s have gone on to have healthy pregnancies and babies through IVF.
Busting the Myths
Many people believe IVF doesn’t work after 35, but that’s simply not true. While it’s a fact that success rates are higher for younger women, many women in their late 30s and even 40s have conceived successfully with IVF. The outcome depends on several factors like the woman’s egg reserve, hormone levels, overall health, and the experience of the fertility clinic. Starting the process early and following medical guidance can make a big difference.
Another common myth is that women over 35 always need donor eggs. While donor eggs can be an option for women with very low egg quality, it’s not the rule. Many women in this age group are still able to conceive using their own eggs. Tests like AMH and ultrasound help doctors evaluate the chances and suggest the right path forward.
It’s also important to understand that IVF is not a magic solution. It increases your chances of getting pregnant but does not guarantee a baby. Sometimes, it takes more than one cycle to succeed. Success depends on many things – the woman’s age, the health of the sperm, how well the embryo develops, and the condition of the uterus. Thankfully, advances in IVF technology have helped improve success rates, especially for older women.
IVF in India
India has seen a sharp rise in the number of couples seeking IVF treatment in the past decade. A study by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, shows that over 25% of IVF patients are now above the age of 35, with urban areas seeing higher demand. The awareness is slowly increasing, but more needs to be done to educate women that fertility is not something to be taken for granted.
Taking the Right Steps
If you are over 35 and trying to conceive for more than 6–12 months without success, don’t delay seeking help. A simple fertility workup, including AMH test, ultrasound, and hormone levels can give a clear picture of where you stand.
IVF after 35 is not a dead-end, it’s a carefully managed medical path that has helped countless women become mothers. While age is a factor, it is not the only one. With growing awareness, access to better medical care, and open conversations, more women can make informed choices about their fertility.
(The Author is Senior Consultant and Head of Department – IVF, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida)
