Donor-Egg IVF Pregnancy Rates Fall from 54 % to 43 % for Women 49 and Older, Live Births from 46 % to 32 %

Older women using donor eggs and IVF face lower pregnancy and live birth rates starting at age 49, BBC News reported. A study of 1,774 women found those aged 49 and over had a 43% pregnancy chance compared with 54% for women in their mid to late 30s. Live birth rates declined from 46% to 32%, while miscarriage rates rose from 24% to 38%.

Researchers observed age-related declines in the condition of the womb lining despite similar thickness across groups. Lead researcher Dr Beatrice Crestani said reproductive ageing involves more than ovarian factors and that donor eggs cannot fully reset the reproductive clock.

"These findings should not discourage women from pursuing donor-egg treatment, because success rates remain meaningful even at advanced ages," she added.

When all available embryos were transferred, live birth rates reached 80% for women aged 35-40 and 62.5% for those 49 and older. Sharon Marshall, who gave birth at 46 after six years of IVF attempts and two prior losses, said the data support honest counseling.

"Let's be honest with women about the difficulties they may face, about how hard it can be to get pregnant when you get older," she stated.

The UK has no legal upper age limit for IVF, though regulators require clinics to assess the welfare of the child and the recipient's physical ability to carry a pregnancy. NHS guidelines offer up to three cycles for women under 40 and one cycle for those up to 42. Patients typically self-fund donor egg treatment.