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Women under 35 typically have the highest IVF success rates, but as age increases, the chances begin to drop. Fertility experts suggest that after 37, IVF outcomes become less predictable, with a more significant decline after the age of 40. Despite this, experts confirm that pregnancy after 40 is not impossible. With the right approach, many women have successfully conceived, even in their 40s.

The Impact of Age on Fertility and IVF Success Rates

Age plays a critical role in fertility, particularly when it comes to IVF. As Dr. Vidya V. Bhat, a laparoscopic and IVF specialist, explains, older eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, which can affect implantation rates, increase the risk of miscarriage, and make it harder to achieve a pregnancy in the first place.

To counter these challenges, fertility experts recommend several options, such as embryo freezing or egg donation. These methods help improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle as women age, providing the best chances for healthy embryos.

Male Age and Its Effect on IVF Outcomes

While much of the focus is on female fertility, male age also plays a role in IVF success. Dr. Vidya V. Bhat points out that although male fertility doesn’t experience the same sharp decline as female fertility, it is still affected by age. Sperm quality starts to deteriorate after the age of 40-45, leading to a decrease in sperm count, motility, and an increase in DNA fragmentation.

These changes in sperm quality can significantly affect embryo development and reduce IVF success rates. In some cases, older paternal age has even been linked to an increased risk of genetic conditions in children. Therefore, both partners’ age should be taken into account when considering IVF treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve IVF Success for Women Over 40

In recent years, more women in their 40s are opting for pregnancy, with an increase of 20-30% compared to previous years. This trend is largely due to improved IVF technologies and lifestyle changes that enhance fertility.

Fertility experts agree that lifestyle modifications can significantly improve the odds of IVF success for women over 40. Here are some key habits and changes to consider:

1. Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can support egg health. These foods protect eggs from oxidative stress, which can damage egg quality over time.
2. Regular Exercise: While intense workouts should be avoided, gentle, regular exercise helps increase blood flow to reproductive organs and supports overall health. Exercise also helps in managing stress, which can negatively impact fertility.
3. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for IVF success. Women who are overweight or underweight may face challenges in IVF cycles, as body fat affects hormone levels that are essential for fertility.
4. Supplements: Certain supplements, including CoQ10, DHEA, and prenatal vitamins, have been shown to improve egg quality and support fertility. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before starting any supplement regimen to ensure proper dosage and effectiveness.
5. Stress Management: High stress levels can negatively affect both fertility and IVF outcomes. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as yoga, acupuncture, or meditation can improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle.
6. Limiting Harmful Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high caffeine intake can impair fertility. Avoiding these habits is essential to improve IVF success rates, as they can contribute to poor egg quality and overall reproductive health.

IVF After 40: It’s Possible with the Right Guidance

Although age is a significant factor in IVF success, many women in their late 30s and early 40s still achieve successful pregnancies, especially when they follow the right medical guidance and lifestyle support. Dr. Vidya V. Bhat emphasizes that a well-rounded approach, which includes proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and, if necessary, egg freezing or donation, can greatly improve the chances of IVF success for women over 40.

While the road to pregnancy may be more challenging after 40, it is far from impossible. With the advancements in fertility treatments and a dedicated approach to health and well-being, women in their 40s can still experience the joy of motherhood.

Reference: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63957015/coq10-benefits-for-women/

The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Fertility

In an exclusive interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Director and Head of the IVF department at Origyn IVF Fertility, shed light on how high blood pressure can impact both male and female fertility. Dr. Sharma explained that for women, high blood pressure can reduce the chances of natural conception. Chronic hypertension can lead to poor blood circulation to the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and uterus, resulting in impaired ovarian function and reduced receptivity of the endometrium — both of which are vital for a successful pregnancy.

For men, hypertension can negatively affect sperm quality, including sperm motility and morphology. Dr. Sharma pointed out that some antihypertensive medications may further compromise male fertility. While not all hypertension drugs pose a risk, Dr. Sharma recommended that couples with hypertension consult a fertility specialist before attempting conception to ensure optimal reproductive health.

Hypertension and IVF Success Rates

High blood pressure can also influence the success of assisted reproduction techniques, including IVF. Dr. Sharma emphasized that while further research is needed, women with uncontrolled hypertension may face challenges such as lower implantation rates and an increased likelihood of miscarriage. Hypertension can alter the metabolic environment of the uterus, which is crucial for embryo implantation and placental development — both essential for a healthy pregnancy following IVF.

In some cases, hypertension-related conditions like preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease can complicate fertility treatments. However, Dr. Sharma reassured couples that controlled hypertension could improve IVF outcomes. Each patient, she noted, requires a personalized fertility evaluation to develop an individualized care plan.

The Risks of Pregnancy with Hypertension

Pregnancy in women with high blood pressure poses several risks to both the mother and the baby. Dr. Sharma highlighted that chronic hypertensive women are at a higher risk for placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth. Additionally, women with hypertension are more likely to develop preeclampsia, a serious condition that involves high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, potentially threatening both maternal and fetal health.

For women undergoing IVF, these risks can manifest earlier in the pregnancy due to age-related factors or underlying fertility issues. Nevertheless, Dr. Sharma emphasized that many women with hypertension can still experience healthy pregnancies with the right medical oversight, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medication. She advised that regular monitoring and a tailored healthcare plan are key to managing hypertension during pregnancy.

Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

While hypertension can complicate pregnancy, Dr. Sharma was optimistic about the potential for positive outcomes with proper medical supervision. She stated that with the right combination of preemptive diagnosis, timely treatment, and personalized fertility treatment plans, many women with hypertension can conceive and carry healthy pregnancies.

Regular physical activity, she suggested, can significantly reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure, including the likelihood of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Exercise also helps alleviate the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, which are common during pregnancy.

The Path Forward for Hypertensive Couples

Dr. Sharma concluded by advising couples facing infertility, where one partner has hypertension or another chronic illness, to consult with a qualified fertility specialist. A tailored treatment strategy that takes into account the health challenges of both partners can greatly improve the chances of success. She emphasized that with the right approach, hypertension does not necessarily prevent conception or the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy — it simply requires careful management and attention to detail.

Couples trying to conceive while managing hypertension are encouraged to seek specialized care to determine the best course of action. With medical advancements and personalized care plans, the path to parenthood remains achievable, even for those with high blood pressure.

Reference: https://ziviaivf.com/hypertensionhow-it-impacts-fertility-and-pregnancy/

A Long Journey of Hope and Disappointment

Infertility is a growing problem around the world, affecting both men and women. For this particular couple, the road to parenthood was especially hard. They had been trying to conceive for nearly two decades. Over the years, they turned to IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) repeatedly — 15 times to be exact — but each time ended in failure.

It wasn’t until they became part of a clinical trial involving the STAR test that things took a hopeful turn.

What Is the STAR Test and How Does It Work?

Developed over five years, the STAR test uses advanced AI to solve a problem even the most skilled eyes can miss. The technology captures up to 8 million microscopic images per hour. In these images, AI algorithms search for even the smallest hidden sperm — the kind that conventional tests often overlook.

This process is especially useful in cases of male infertility where sperm are either very few or entirely absent from semen samples. Once identified, these hidden sperm are safely extracted using specialised equipment and prepared for fertilisation.

The Root of the Problem: Azoospermia

In this couple’s case, the husband was diagnosed with azoospermia, a condition in which no sperm are found in the semen. It affects around 10% of all infertility cases in the U.S. There are two main types of azoospermia:

• • • • Obstructive Azoospermia: Where a physical blockage prevents sperm from being released.
      • Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Where the body fails to produce sperm altogether.

For years, this diagnosis had left doctors with very few treatment options. But with STAR, things changed.

How AI Turned the Tide

Thanks to the STAR AI technology, doctors were able to locate a single healthy sperm hidden deep within the semen. That one sperm made all the difference. It was injected into an egg using ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), a common fertilisation technique in IVF.

The result? A successful pregnancy after nearly two decades of failed attempts.

A New Hope for Infertile Couples

This case is more than a personal success — it represents a new chapter in fertility science. As more couples struggle with infertility worldwide, innovations like STAR offer a fresh ray of hope, especially for men with severe sperm-related conditions.

While IVF and surrogacy have brought joy to many, for those who still haven’t found success, AI may become the unexpected hero. And for this couple, it already has. After 19 years, their dream of becoming parents is finally coming true.

This breakthrough is not just about one couple — it’s a sign that the future of fertility treatment may be forever changed. With the integration of AI into reproductive medicine, clinics may soon be able to detect and retrieve viable sperm in even the most challenging cases, offering new solutions where traditional IVF fails. Experts believe this is just the beginning, as AI continues to evolve in fields like embryo selection, hormone tracking, and personalised treatment planning. For thousands of couples around the world battling infertility, this story brings renewed hope — and a powerful reminder that science is always advancing.

Reference: https://www.patrika.com/en/health-news/ai-enables-pregnancy-after-19-years-of-trying-and-15-failed-ivf-cycles-19662264