The age limit for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be seen as a limiting factor. However, setting an age limit for IVF treatment restricts many disadvantageous consequences of the treatment.
IVF sure is an excellent medical technique to enable infertile couples to experience the joys of fertility. Despite its many benefits, IVF has to be done with careful consideration, ensuring that it follows the set guidelines and regulations.
Why Age Limits Exist?
- The ART Act of 2021 in India sets IVF age limits at 50 for women and 55 for men, focusing on complications, success rates, abnormalities, and parental support.
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of 2021 (ART Act) in India established the age limit for women to be a maximum of 50 years and men to be a maximum of 55 years to take up IVF treatment.
The primary reasons for the ART Act to set this age limit are as follows:
- Complications during pregnancy: With increasing maternal age, there is a possibility for increased pregnancy complications, including both the mother and the fetus.
- Success rates: The success rates of the treatment decline with an increase in age.
- Chromosomal abnormalities: As the quality of eggs and sperm decreases with age, it could lead to chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
- Child support: The child may not be able to access long-term care and support from her or his parents, especially when they are older.
Impact of Age on Success Rates
The success rate of the IVF treatment with increasing age is an important factor to consider. This is because when this fertility treatment shows no chance of providing a positive result in women over 50 years, there is no point in employing it at that point of age as well.
The following table shows the success rate of women under different age ranges:
| Women’s Age Ranges | Success Rate |
|---|---|
|
Below 35 years |
30- 35% |
|
35- 40 |
20 -30%
|
|
40- 42 |
10- 15% |
|
Above 42 years |
Less than 10 % |
Other Factors that Influence the Success Rate of the IVF Treatment
Apart from age, there are other factors that influence the success rate of IVF treatment. These factors must also be taken into consideration to set the right treatment path and expect better results.
The factors to consider include:
- Ovarian reserve
- Quality of egg
- Quality of sperm
- Any reproductive health issues
- Lifestyle
Advantages of Age in IVF Treatment
- Younger women enhance IVF success with better egg quality, ovarian reserve, lower risks, reduced chromosomal issues, and improved physical health.
As the importance of age is stressed again and again in ensuring the success of the IVF treatment, you might wonder what benefits a younger age holds in the success of the treatment.
The following are the benefits that come with women of younger age:
- Good egg quality
- Good ovarian reserve
- Lower risk of pregnancy complications
- Reduced risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby and
- Good physical health to undergo the treatment
These benefits cover most of the disadvantages of fertility with increasing age and offer only a slight challenge to the success of the IVF treatment.
Conclusion
Age impacts the success of IVF treatment. It’s crucial to consider various aspects of IVF and consult with an experienced fertility doctor before deciding to proceed with treatment.
Deciding to undergo IVF can be confusing, but proper preparation helps achieve the results you desire.
Despite the challenges, IVF offers significant benefits. Feel free to schedule a visit with a fertility specialist to address all your concerns. You can contact me at my office or visit in person anytime to arrange a consultation.
Wishing you success in achieving your dream of parenthood!
FAQs
According to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of 2021 (ART Act), the legal age limit for IVF in India is 50 for women and 50 for men. Failure to adhere to this law is a punishable offense that can result in penalties and imprisonment.
For women above 50 years, the IVF treatment may not deliver the desired results. Besides the age of the woman, factors such as overall physical health, quality of eggs and sperm, adn others influence the success of the IVF treatment.
Yes, there are age restrictions for undergoing and participating in IVF treatment. In India, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of 2021 (ART Act) regulates the undertaking of IVF treatment. Women above 50 years and men above 55 years must not participate in IVF treatments.
