How old is too old for IVF treatment?

India Today

25-07-2025

In an age where career goals, late weddings, and medical progress have extended the limits of parenthood, the query "How old is too old for IVF?" is more pertinent than ever. For most couples facing infertility, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a second chance to conceive. But even science has its limitations—and so does the law.advertisementWHAT DOES THE LAW SAY IN INDIA?Under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act enacted in India, the legal cut-off age for women to undergo IVF is 50 years and for men is 55 years. The age limit mainly exists to protect the child's health and ensure that the parents are physically fit to raise them. The aim is obvious: to prevent circumstances in which a child may be left orphaned in early years of life because the parents are old and have grown very aged.THE ROLE OF SELF EGGS VS. DONOR EGGSIVF is legally allowed up to 50, the success rate for conception using a woman's own eggs diminishes considerably after 40, and by 41 or 42 years of age, utilization of self-eggs is very rare. Most fertility doctors strongly advise that IVF using self-eggs be done at or before age 41 in order to enhance the likelihood of success. Beyond that point, the eggs' quality and quantity are lost at a very rapid rate, causing fertility to plummet and increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities.
This is where donor eggs enter the picture. Women over 42—particularly those close to 50—usually need donor eggs in order to conceive. Donor eggs are commonly obtained from younger, healthier women, thus raising the chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy.SUCCESS RATES AND MEDICAL REALITIESAge is a major factor in IVF success. Using self-eggs:Under 35 years: The success rate is around 50-60% per embryo transfer38–40 years: Falls to around 40%Over 42 years: Below 3% with their own eggsWith donor eggs, though, the success rate is more dependent on the donor's age, rather than the recipient. That's why so many women in their late 40s can still have a healthy pregnancy—if they use donor eggs.Priya, 47, Delhi "After trying for years and facing several miscarriages, I opted for IVF with donor eggs at age 46. Today, I have twin boys who are 3 months old. I was skeptical at first, but my doctor explained every step, and now I can't imagine life without them."I wanted to try with my own eggs, but after two failed cycles, I switched to donor eggs. It wasn't an easy decision emotionally, but the moment I held my daughter, I knew it was the right one. IVF gave us our miracle." says Meenal , 40 years. Emotional and Ethical ConsiderationsadvertisementTo decide on IVF in your 40s or approaching 50 is not merely a medical choice—it's an emotional and ethical one as well. The law's age limit of 50 is set so that potential parents are mentally, physically, and emotionally equipped with the capability of bringing up the child to adulthood.So, how old is too old for IVF? Medically speaking, self-egg IVF is best done before 40. Legally and ethically, India allows IVF until age 50—with donor gametes when necessary. If you're considering IVF later in life, it's essential to consult a fertility specialist early, explore all your options, and plan responsibly—for both your well-being and the future of your child.Written by Fertility Specialist Dr. Jyoti Bali, Founder, BabySoon Fertility & IVF Clinic- EndsMust Watch