What Is the Legal Age Limit & Success Rate for IVF Treatment in India?

In Vitro Fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, is one of the leading treatments for couples struggling with infertility. However, the government has established certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of these procedures. Recently, there have been developments in IVF age-related concerns. This blog provides a thorough understanding of these new regulations and what they mean for you.

Age Limits for IVF in India

In India, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of 2021 (ART Act) established a comprehensive legal framework for assisted conception procedures, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This act has brought about significant changes, particularly concerning the age limits for seeking IVF treatment.

Legal Age Limits for IVF Treatment In India

The ART Act specifies the age brackets for individuals eligible for IVF services:

Women: 21 to 50 years old
Men: 26 to 55 years old

These age limits aim to ensure the health and well-being of both parents and the child, considering the potential risks associated with advanced age in reproduction.

Importance of Age Limits in IVF

The age limits set by the ART Act are based on medical research and ethical considerations. As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline, leading to lower success rates in IVF treatments and higher risks of complications. Similarly, older paternal age can affect sperm quality and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities. By setting these age limits, the ART Act aims to optimize the chances of successful pregnancy and healthy outcomes for both the mother and child.

IVF Success Rates By Age

IVF success rates under 35

Women under 35, particularly those in their 20s, experience higher success rates in pregnancy due to peak fertility during these years. For women without identified fertility issues, there is a 20% chance of conceiving naturally each month. However, for those facing infertility issues such as a low egg count, genetic diseases, partner infertility, or being in a same-sex relationship, in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes a viable option. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the success rates of IVF vary with age:

Women under 35 who have never conceived before have a 32% chance of success with IVF.
Those under 35 who have previously had a child see a 37% success rate with IVF.
Women in their 20s with two or more children have a 34% chance of success with IVF.
The overall IVF success rate for women in their 20s is approximately 40-43%.
Women under 35 have a 52% chance of achieving pregnancy with just one round of IVF.

IVF success rates under 40

For women over 40, conceiving naturally becomes more challenging. However, advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have made it possible for women in this age group to achieve pregnancy. The CDC and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) provide the following success rates using fresh embryos:

At age 40, there is a 20 percent chance of an IVF cycle working and a 14 percent chance of live birth.
At age 41, the chances decrease to 15 per cent for an IVF cycle and 10 per cent for live birth.
At age 42, the rates are 12 per cent for an IVF cycle and 7 per cent for live birth.
At age 43, the success rates drop to 8 percent for an IVF cycle and 3 percent for live birth.
At age 44, there is a 6 percent chance of IVF success and a 3 percent chance of live birth.
For women aged 45 and above, there are only 3 percent chances of pregnancy and 1 percent for live birth through IVF.

For women aged 40 undergoing just one round of IVF, the chance of achieving pregnancy is about 8 percent. Multiple rounds may increase the likelihood of success. It’s crucial to remember that these statistics are general and individual results can vary based on numerous factors.

Male Age and IVF Success

While female age is a critical factor, male age can also impact IVF success rates. Sperm quality tends to decline with age, affecting motility and increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities. However, the impact of male age on IVF success is generally less pronounced compared to female age.

How Male Age Affects Fertility

Male fertility typically declines more gradually compared to female fertility, but it is still subject to age-related changes. Here are some key factors influenced by male age:

Sperm Quality: As men age, sperm quality tends to decline. This includes reductions in sperm motility (the ability of sperm to move effectively) and morphology (the shape and structure of sperm). Poor sperm quality can make it more challenging to achieve fertilization and successful embryo development.
Sperm Quantity: Older men often experience a decrease in sperm count. Lower sperm counts can reduce the likelihood of successful fertilization, even with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Genetic Integrity: The risk of genetic abnormalities in sperm increases with age. Older sperm are more likely to carry DNA damage, which can lead to higher rates of miscarriage and congenital disabilities.
Hormonal Changes: Aging can lead to a decline in testosterone levels and other hormonal changes that impact sperm production and overall fertility.

IVF Success Rates and Male Age

While female age is generally a more significant factor in IVF success rates, male age also plays an essential role. Here’s how male age can influence IVF outcomes:

Men Under 40:
- In men under 35, sperm quality and quantity are typically at their peak. Healthy sperm are characterized by good motility (the ability to swim effectively), morphology (proper shape and structure), and concentration (the number of sperm present in a given volume of semen). These factors contribute to higher chances of successful fertilization of the egg and the development of a healthy embryo. Additionally, the DNA within the sperm is less likely to have accumulated damage, reducing the risk of genetic abnormalities. The overall fertility of younger men tends to be more robust, contributing to higher success rates in natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

Men Above 40:
- As men age, there is a natural decline in sperm quality and quantity. Sperm motility tends to decrease, meaning the sperm are less effective at swimming toward and penetrating the egg. Morphological abnormalities become more common, reducing the likelihood of successful fertilization. The concentration of sperm in the semen may also decline. Additionally, the DNA within the sperm of older men is more likely to have accumulated damage over time. This can increase the risk of genetic abnormalities, which can lead to lower fertilization rates, higher miscarriage rates, and potential complications during pregnancy. The combined effect of these factors results in lower overall success rates for men over 40, both in natural conception and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

If you are looking for IVF treatment, then IHR Kolkata is the best center to consider. With a dedicated team of experienced professionals, IHR Kolkata combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized care to maximize your chances of success. The clinic’s expertise in reproductive medicine and its commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements make it an excellent choice for those seeking to overcome fertility challenges. At IHR Kolkata, you can expect comprehensive support and the highest standards of medical care to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Why IVF Success Decreases with Age

The success of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatments tends to decrease with age due to several biological factors affecting both men and women.

Women:

Egg Quantity and Quality: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, this ovarian reserve diminishes. Older women tend to have fewer eggs available for fertilization, and those that remain may have lower quality.
Chromosomal Abnormalities: As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs increases. This can lead to a higher rate of unsuccessful fertilization, failed embryo development, or miscarriage.
Uterine Health: The health and receptivity of the uterus also play a crucial role. Age-related changes in the uterus, such as decreased blood flow or thinning of the uterine lining, can reduce the chances of successful embryo implantation.

Men:

Sperm Quality: Similar to women, men also experience age-related declines in fertility. Sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape and size) can all decrease with age, affecting the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.
Genetic Abnormalities: Advanced paternal age is associated with an increased risk of genetic abnormalities in sperm. This can contribute to higher rates of failed fertilization, abnormal embryo development, or miscarriage.

Factors Influencing IVF Success

While age is a crucial factor, several other elements can influence the success of IVF treatment:

Health and Lifestyle: Overall health, including factors like weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption, can impact fertility and IVF outcomes.
Ovarian Reserve: The number and quality of a woman’s remaining eggs are vital for successful fertilization.
Sperm Quality: For men, sperm count, motility, and morphology are essential factors in successful conception.
Clinic Expertise: The experience and success rates of the chosen fertility clinic and its medical team play a significant role in achieving positive outcomes.

IVF Treatment in Kolkata

Kolkata has emerged as a prominent center for IVF treatment in India, offering state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled medical professionals. The city’s fertility clinics are equipped with advanced technology and provide comprehensive care, from initial consultation to post-treatment support. Couples seeking IVF treatment in Kolkata can benefit from personalized care plans and access to cutting-edge medical interventions.

IVF Treatment Cost in India

The cost of IVF treatment in India varies depending on several factors, including the clinic, the complexity of the case, and any additional treatments required. The overall expense can fluctuate based on the location and reputation of the clinic, as well as the specific medical needs of the patient. In Kolkata, IVF treatment is often more affordable compared to other metropolitan cities, making it an attractive option for many couples seeking fertility solutions.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of IVF treatment in India involves understanding the multifaceted factors that influence both access to care and the likelihood of success. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of 2021 has set clear age limits, reflecting the delicate balance between ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes for prospective parents. Age remains a critical determinant in IVF success rates, with women experiencing a gradual decline in fertility potential and men also facing age-related changes in sperm quality. However, advancements in medical technology and the expertise offered by centers like those in Kolkata provide promising avenues for couples seeking to overcome infertility challenges. By considering all these factors—age, clinic expertise, and personal health—couples can approach IVF treatment with informed decision-making and a realistic expectation of achieving their dream of parenthood.

We are overjoyed to announce the arrival of two precious bundles of joy, brought into the world through the marvels of IVF. Witnessing the fulfillment of parenthood for a 42-year-old woman fills our hearts with immense happiness and gratitude. This journey, though challenging, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the wonders of modern medicine. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let it serve as an inspiration to those navigating the path of IVF, reminding them that hope, perseverance, and the support of loved ones can lead to the most beautiful miracles.