What to know about IVF in women over 40

With age, egg number and egg quality tend to change, which can affect ovarian response to stimulation, embryo development, and the chance of miscarriage. These are population patterns, not a personal forecast. Testing and treatment response provide more useful information for an individual plan.

The assessment may include ovarian reserve tests, ultrasound, semen analysis, review of previous pregnancies, and checks for conditions that could affect pregnancy. A specialist may discuss embryo testing, donor eggs, or other routes according to your values, medical situation, and local regulations.

Book a fertility consultation without delaying the initial assessment. Bring cycle dates, previous test results, surgery details, medication and supplement lists, and information about long-term conditions. Ask what can be completed in parallel to reduce avoidable delays.

Before treatment, review folic acid, smoking and alcohol, vaccination status, blood pressure, diabetes risk, and medicines that may need adjustment. Clarify the stimulation plan, monitoring visits, embryo decisions, consent arrangements, and how pregnancy care will be transferred after a positive test.

During stimulation or after egg collection, seek urgent advice for severe abdominal pain or swelling, repeated vomiting, faintness, sudden breathlessness, heavy bleeding, fever, or reduced urine. After embryo transfer, contact the clinic for severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that feel urgent.

What do my ovarian reserve and ultrasound results suggest about the plan? Which medical checks should happen before pregnancy? What are the options if few eggs or embryos are available? How would donor eggs or embryo testing fit my situation? Who will manage my care after transfer?