IVF at 45 with Own Eggs: Success Stories and What You Need to Know

For women over 40, the path to motherhood can seem daunting. By the time you reach 45, you may have already faced the reality that your fertility is not what it once was. However, modern medicine, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), has given many women the opportunity to conceive later in life—even with their own eggs.

While IVF success rates decrease with age, success stories of women conceiving naturally at 45 with their own eggs are becoming more common. In this article, we’ll explore what IVF at 45 looks like, the factors influencing success, and real-life stories that show it’s possible to become a mother at this age.

IVF and Age: The Basics

Fertility naturally declines as women age, with a more significant drop in egg quantity and quality after the age of 40. By 45, many women experience lower ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs are available for fertilization. Additionally, the quality of eggs declines, which increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage.

That being said, IVF remains a potential option for women at 45. IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and then implanting healthy embryos into the uterus. The procedure remains the same regardless of age, but the chances of success and the approach to treatment may vary based on a woman’s individual fertility health.

Dr. Michael Thompson, a fertility specialist, notes, “For women over 45, the biggest challenge in IVF is the quality of eggs. However, success is still possible, especially with careful monitoring, appropriate medication, and genetic testing.”

What Makes IVF at 45 Different?

When you’re 45, your body is likely producing fewer eggs, and the eggs you do produce may have a higher risk of genetic issues. This can make IVF more challenging. Here’s how IVF treatment may differ for women at 45:

1. Ovarian Reserve Testing
   Before starting IVF, your fertility doctor will perform tests to assess your ovarian reserve. These tests measure the number and quality of your eggs through blood work and ultrasound. At 45, you may have a lower ovarian reserve, which could mean fewer eggs for IVF.
2. Fertility Medication
   Women over 40 often require higher doses of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries. The goal is to get as many eggs as possible for fertilization, but this may require more intense monitoring to prevent overstimulation.
3. Egg Retrieval and Fertilization
   At 45, egg retrieval may result in fewer eggs. Even if you do produce a good number of eggs, they may not all be of high quality. For this reason, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is often used, where sperm is injected directly into the egg to improve fertilization rates. Genetic screening, like PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), is often recommended to help select embryos that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
4. Embryo Transfer
   Once fertilization occurs, the embryos are cultured and monitored for a few days before transfer. With women over 45, it’s often recommended to transfer one embryo at a time to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. If your egg quality is low, using embryo freezing for future transfers is another option.
5. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
   Once the embryo is transferred, a blood test will confirm pregnancy. For women over 45, the chances of a miscarriage are higher, so careful monitoring and follow-up are crucial.

Real-Life Success Stories

Despite the challenges, IVF success stories at 45 and beyond are becoming more common. Many women have proven that it’s possible to conceive with their own eggs at 45 with the right treatment plan, proper medical supervision, and a little bit of patience.

Story #1: Sarah’s Journey to Motherhood at 45

Sarah, a 45-year-old woman from California, had almost given up on the idea of having children. After several failed attempts to conceive naturally, she turned to IVF. At first, she was skeptical—her doctors explained that her ovarian reserve was low, and her chances of success were slim.

However, Sarah decided to proceed. She responded well to fertility medication and produced a few good-quality eggs. After genetic testing, one healthy embryo was transferred. Sarah was overjoyed to find out she was pregnant with twins just a few weeks later. “It felt like a miracle,” she says. “I was 45, and it worked! IVF gave me the family I always wanted.”

Story #2: Linda’s Success with IVF and Own Eggs

Linda was 45 when she started her IVF journey. After being told that egg donation might be her only option, she was determined to try with her own eggs. Her fertility clinic used high doses of stimulation drugs and a personalized plan to maximize her chances.

After two egg retrievals, Linda had three embryos—one of which was healthy. It was transferred successfully, and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Linda shares, “It wasn’t an easy path, but I’m so thankful I didn’t give up. IVF gave me a chance at motherhood when I thought it was too late.”

These success stories remind us that while IVF at 45 comes with challenges, it’s still possible for women to become mothers with their own eggs. However, it’s important to approach the process with realistic expectations and understanding.

The Science Behind IVF Success at 45

Success rates for IVF at 45 are generally lower than for younger women, but it’s far from impossible. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the success rates for women aged 45 and older are around 5% per cycle. However, women who are in good health and respond well to treatment may see better results.

“IVF success rates are closely tied to egg quality and the overall health of the uterus,” explains Dr. Thompson. “While a woman’s age may reduce her chances, many factors can improve the odds—such as using genetic screening, optimizing egg quality through lifestyle changes, and the skill of the fertility team.”

Key Factors Affecting IVF Success After 45

Several factors can influence IVF success at 45:

1. Egg Quality and Quantity
   As women age, egg quality tends to decline. This affects fertilization rates and the health of the resulting embryos. Women who are able to produce high-quality eggs have better chances of IVF success.
2. Genetic Screening
   Using PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) can greatly improve the odds of a successful pregnancy by selecting the healthiest embryos. This is especially important for women over 40, as chromosomal abnormalities are more common.
3. Health and Lifestyle
   Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all key components of a successful IVF outcome. Women who take steps to improve their health before and during IVF have a better chance of success.
4. Uterine Health
   The health of the uterus plays a significant role in IVF success. Conditions like fibroids or endometriosis can interfere with embryo implantation, so ensuring a healthy uterine environment is critical.

Should You Consider Egg Donation?

For some women over 45, using an egg donor may offer a higher chance of success. Donor eggs come from younger women, which greatly improves the odds of having a successful pregnancy. However, many women still choose to try with their own eggs, even if the chances are lower, because of the desire to experience pregnancy with their own biological material.

Conclusion

IVF at 45 with your own eggs is challenging, but it is far from impossible. Many women have successfully conceived and given birth using their own eggs at this age. While the road to parenthood may be more complicated, advances in IVF technology, genetic screening, and personalized care have made it a viable option. If you’re considering IVF at 45, talk to your fertility specialist about your options, and keep in mind that while success may take time, it is still possible to achieve the family of your dreams.