In an era where career goals, late weddings and medical progress have increased the boundaries of paternity, Query “How old is IVF?” Is more relevant than ever. For most couples facing infertility, IVF (in in vitro fertilization) is the second chance to conceive. But even science has its limits – and therefore there is law.

What does the law say in India?

Under the aided aided reproductive technology (regulation) Act enacted in India, the legal cut-off age for women to undergo IVF is 50 years and is 55 years for men. The age limit is mainly present to protect the child’s health and ensure that parents are physically fit to increase them. The objective is clear: to prevent circumstances in which a child can be orphans in the early years of life because parents are old and become very old.

Self -egg vs. Role Donor Eggs

IVF is legally allowed up to 50, the success rate for conception by a woman using her eggs is significantly reduced after 40, and until the age of 41 or 42, the use of self-EGG is very rare. Most fertility doctors strongly recommend that IVF using self-EGG at the age of 41 to increase the possibility of success. Beyond that point, the quality and volume of the eggs are very rapidly lost, which leads to fertility and increases the risk of genetic abnormalities.

This is where the donor eggs enter the photo. Women over 42 – especially close to 50 – usually requires donor eggs to conceive. Donor eggs are usually obtained from small, healthy women, thus increasing the chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy.

Success rate and medical realities

IVF is a major factor of success. Using Self-eggs:

• Less than 35 years: The success rate is around 50-60% per fetal transfer
• 38-40 years: falls up to about 40%
• Over 42 years: below 3% with your own eggs

With donor eggs, however, the rate of success is more dependent on the donor’s age rather than the recipient. This is why so many women can still have a healthy pregnancy in the late 40s – if they use donor eggs.

Priya, 47, Delhi “After trying for years and facing many miscarriage, I opted for IVF with donor eggs at the age of 46. Today, I have twin boys who are 3 months old. I doubted the first time, but my doctor explained every step, and now I could not imagine life without them.

“I wanted to try with my own eggs, but after two unsuccessful cycles, I swung on the donor egg. It was not an emotionally an easy decision, but the moment I put my daughter, I knew that it was right. IVF gave us his miracle.” Meenal says 40 years.

Emotional and moral views

There is not just a medical option to decide on IVF or reach 50 in its 40s – it is also an emotional and ethical. The age limit of the law is set 50 so that the potential parents are mentally, physically and emotionally equipped with the ability to bring the child into adulthood.

So, how old is IVF? Medical, the best is best done before the self-egg IVF 40. Legally and morally, India allows IVF till the age of 50-with the donor coupler if necessary. If you are considering later IVF in life, it is necessary to consult a reproductive specialist early, find out all your options, and plan responsibly-for both your good and your child’s future.

Breeding specialist Dr. Written by Jyoti Bali, Founder, Babisoon Fertility and IVF Clinic