IVF with donor eggs over 40 – the preparation tool kit to pin

Can I still get pregnant at 48 years old with IVF? Is age important in the treatment of fertility once I use donors’ eggs? Is it worth trying to try again – or for the first time – more than 45 years?

These (excellent) questions fly all the time in the ribbon box. And we wanted to obtain the clearest and most useful answers – without moving from silence on the emotional reality of this process. If you are over 40 (like a third of the TRB team), we know – you don’t play.

Therefore, in partnership with Network® preludeThe largest network of fastest growth clinics in North America, we sat with Dr. Daniel Shapiro, Reproductive endocrinologist has Reproductive biology partners (RBA) In Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Shapiro supported so many families with fertility treatment using donor eggs. In this interview, he breaks down the facts, stages and success rates of IVF with donor eggs after 40 years, up to 48 years and look beyond.

This is your toolbox: Not filtered, practical and full of insight – especially if you explore IVF in quarantine, in perimenopause or after other options have not worked.

IVF with donor eggs after 40 years: what to expect

“The realization of pregnancy with donor eggs is a process in several stages designed to maximize the safety and success of the procedure. These steps apply regardless of the age of the recipient. ”

– Dr Daniel Shapiro, RBA Atlanta

Here is what the process generally involves patients over 40:

1. Donor screening:
   Through Network® preludeDonor candidates apply via online questionnaires. Those who respond to the directives of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) are detected for the ovarian reserve, infectious diseases, the status of carriers for genetic conditions and undergo psychological assessments.
2. Stimulation and recovery of eggs:
   Once approved, the donor takes injectable fertility medications for about two weeks. Meanwhile, they are closely watched until the egg bags (follicles) are mature. Next comes a “trigger shot”, followed 36 hours later by recovering eggs under light anesthesia.
3. Donor risks:
   Risks include OHS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), surgical risks such as minor bleeding and infection and potential emotional impacts, all now very well understood and managed by experienced clinics.
4. Manipulation of eggs:
   The eggs recovered can be frozen for subsequent or fertilized use immediately with parent sperm (IP).
5. Recipient screening:
   Whoever has to wear pregnancy will have the imagery to assess their uterus. And if you are in a heterosexual couple, the planned father is also detected for genetic compatibility. The two partners complete the tests of infectious diseases and psychological advice.
   Recipient at the end of the forties or in the early 1950s may need to undergo additional health screening, to minimize the health risks of a pregnancy at this age.
6. Choose your donor:
   Once the work is finished, it’s time to choose your donor – usually through a bank or an egg agency.
7. Fertilization and transfer:
   Frozen egg donor: The eggs are deflected and inseminated with sperm.
   Fresh egg donor: The timing is coordinated so that the sperm is ready for the recovery day. Some clinics can genetically test embryos before frost, others not.
8. Uterine preparation:
   Hormonal drugs begin, as part of the recipient’s uterus preparation. About three weeks later, a transfer of embryos takes place. The hormones continue for 10 days, then a pregnancy test is carried out. If negative, the drugs stop and menstruation begin. If it is positive, hormones continue during the first quarter.
   

Learn more: Your BETA HCG IVF explained

IVF age limits in the United States – are 48 too late?

“There is no official age limit to receive an embryo – but consensus is at the latest 55 years and most clinics have a threshold at the age of 51.”

Clinics vary, but most of them set a soft limit around 51 yearsespecially when the donor’s eggs are used.

Using your own eggs becomes much less likely to succeed after 43 yearsand by 44 and overThe pregnancy rate using your own eggs is very low.

Dr. Shapiro notes: “Many clinics will allow attempts with your own eggs to menopause or the age of 51, but the risk of success is infinitely small.”

Success rate with donor eggs in their forties – up to 48 years

“Whatever age, the recipient of an embryo derived from donor eggs between 50 and 60% of pregnancy each time a single embryo is replaced.”

Thus, IVF with donor eggs over 40 years old can potentially make a significant difference – in particular compared to traditional IVF cycles using its own eggs at this age and at this stage.

Can you get pregnant with donor eggs during perimenopause?

“Yes – patients just need hormonal replacement to support early pregnancy.”

This is one of the most posed questions on forums and fertility sites. If you are in perimenopause or fully menopausic, you can always continue IVF with donor eggs – your age will have no impact on success, as long as your general health is considered.

In addition, your clinic will guide you through a specific plan for early pregnancy.

How many IVF cycles are normal with donor eggs?

“In general, 60% of all women will have a delivery in a trial, 80% in two trials and approximately 90% in the three trials.”

A “test” is defined as a transfer of embryos. Dr. Shapiro underlines thought in terms of cumulative success.

A single cycle of frozen eggs generally gives 2-3 good embryos-that is to say 2-3 transfer attempts. The cycles of fresh donors generally lead to more eggs, offering more chances of a cycle. However, you will have to weigh the advantages of Fresh vs Frozen with your team.

Prepare IVF in the forties – What can we do at home?

“Eat, sleep a lot, exercise at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week and hydrates (!)”

Simple, but essential. Dr. Shapiro encourages everyone – at any age – to work ideal body weight And general well-being before pregnancy. This is the best preparation you can do.

Is your age always important with donor eggs?

“No. When you use donor eggs, your age does not affect the success rate.”

This is one of the most reassuring ideas for anyone who is considering IVF over 40, whether you are 45, 48 or approach 50.

Are the treatment protocols different at 48 against 40?

There are minor distinctions, mainly around the abolition of ovulation. Dr. Shapiro immerses us a little more about this:

“Premenopausic beneficiaries will occasionally need drugs to prevent them from ovulation, while post-menopausic beneficiaries will never need these drugs. Otherwise, the recipient’s hormonal protocols are identical. ”

For women who use their own eggs More than 40, much higher doses are generally necessary and success rates drop considerably – in particular the age of 44.

What is the right time to consider donor eggs?

“There is never an ideal time to accept the limits of your own eggs … For some, it happens quickly, for others, it evolves over time, and for some, it never happens.”

There is no easy answer – emotionally or practically. But donors’ eggs can offer a good way to parenting when other options have not worked or when age becomes an important factor.

Dr Shapiro’s final reflections

“A parent is someone who loves and nourishes a child, and this person needs not provided DNA.

It sounds deeply. And it is a feeling that we intend to echo each community of IVF and donors design. What defines a parent is not genetics – is love, support, presence and care.

Start here

If you explore IVF with donor eggs over 40, talk to a clinic you trust. You can:

In partnership Network® prelude – The largest and fastest network of fastest fertility clinics in the United States and Canada.