IVF Success Rates by Age (2024 data): IVF Success Rates Under 35, Ages 35–39, 40–42 & Over 42

One of the most common questions fertility patients ask is:

“What are my chances of getting pregnant with IVF?”

IVF success rates by age can provide helpful insight into what to expect during treatment. While no statistic can predict an individual outcome, age remains one of the strongest factors affecting egg quality, embryo development, implantation, and overall IVF chances of pregnancy.

Whether you’re researching IVF success rates under 35, looking for information about IVF success rate 35 and beyond, or comparing outcomes in your 40s, understanding age-related trends can help you make informed fertility decisions.

In this guide, we’ll review IVF success rates by age, explain why outcomes change over time, and discuss other factors that may influence your likelihood of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

IVF Success Rates by Age: Why Age Matters

Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Over time, both the number and quality of those eggs decline.

As egg quality decreases, embryos are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities that can prevent implantation or lead to miscarriage. This is why fertility often declines gradually during the 30s and more rapidly after age 40.

While IVF can help overcome many causes of infertility, it cannot completely reverse the effects of age on egg quality.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), age is one of the strongest factors influencing assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. You can review national IVF success data on the CDC’s official ART reports page: https://www.cdc.gov/art/.

IVF Success Rates Under Age 35

Patients under 35 generally experience the highest IVF success rates.

At this age, eggs are more likely to produce healthy embryos, and implantation rates tend to be favorable.

According to recent CDC ART data, the live birth rate per embryo transfer using a patient’s own eggs is approximately 50% for patients younger than 35, although results vary by clinic and individual circumstances.

Although success rates are encouraging, factors such as endometriosis, male factor infertility, uterine abnormalities, and ovarian reserve can still affect outcomes.

IVF Success Rate 35–39: What Are Your Chances of Pregnancy?

Between ages 35 and 39, fertility begins to decline gradually.

CDC data show live birth rates per embryo transfer using a patient’s own eggs are typically around 40%–45% for ages 35–37 and approximately 30%–35% for ages 38–40, reflecting the gradual decline in egg quality and embryo viability.

Patients in this age group often benefit from early fertility evaluation and treatment rather than delaying care. In some cases, additional testing or embryo screening may be recommended depending on medical history and reproductive goals.

IVF Success Rates Ages 40–42

For women between 40 and 42, IVF success rates typically decline more significantly.

National CDC data indicate live birth rates per embryo transfer using a patient’s own eggs are generally about 15%–20% for patients ages 41–42.

At this stage, a larger percentage of embryos may have chromosomal abnormalities, which can reduce implantation rates and increase miscarriage risk.

However, successful pregnancies still occur regularly. Individual factors such as ovarian reserve, hormone levels, overall health, and embryo quality become increasingly important when evaluating treatment options.

Many patients in this age group choose IVF because it provides the most effective fertility treatment available using their own eggs.

IVF Success Rates Over Age 42

After age 42, achieving pregnancy with a patient’s own eggs becomes more challenging.

CDC ART reports show live birth rates per embryo transfer using a patient’s own eggs are often below 10% after age 42 and may fall to approximately 3%–5% by the mid-40s.

While success remains possible, the number of chromosomally normal embryos decreases substantially with age.

Some patients pursue IVF with their own eggs, while others may consider donor eggs to improve their chances of success. Donor egg IVF success rates are substantially higher because outcomes are primarily related to the donor’s age rather than the recipient’s age.

A thorough consultation with a fertility specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Factors That Influence IVF Chances of Pregnancy Beyond Age

Age is important, but it is not the only factor that affects IVF outcomes.

Other considerations include:

Ovarian Reserve

Tests such as AMH levels and antral follicle count can provide information about the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.

Embryo Quality

Embryo development remains one of the strongest predictors of IVF success.

Sperm Quality

Male factor infertility can affect fertilization rates and embryo development.

Uterine Health

Fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, and other uterine conditions may affect implantation.

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions can negatively impact fertility and treatment outcomes.

For evidence-based fertility information, patients can also review resources from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): https://www.asrm.org/.

Can Genetic Testing Improve IVF Success Rates?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) allows embryos to be screened for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.

For some patients, particularly those of advanced maternal age or those with recurrent pregnancy loss, PGT-A may help identify embryos with the highest likelihood of implantation.

However, PGT-A is not necessary for every patient and should be discussed individually with a fertility specialist.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

You should consider a fertility evaluation if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
• You are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months.
• You are over 40 and wish to discuss fertility options.
• You have irregular menstrual cycles, recurrent miscarriage, endometriosis, or known fertility concerns.

Early evaluation often provides more treatment options and can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Guidance on infertility evaluation is also available from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/.

Final Thoughts on IVF Success Rates by Age

IVF success rates vary with age, but age is only one part of the fertility picture.

Many patients achieve successful pregnancies in their late 30s and early 40s, while others may benefit from earlier intervention or alternative treatment strategies. The most important step is obtaining an accurate fertility evaluation and developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

If you are considering IVF and would like to understand your options, a consultation with an experienced fertility specialist can help you determine the best path forward. Visit our fertility services page to learn more and schedule your consultation today.