Over 40s Program
According to the most recent data from the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Australia and New Zealand 2021 report, approximately 30% of women undergoing IVF treatment are aged 40 and above. At Demeter Fertility that number is almost double.
The stats are clear and they’re easily accessible, women’s reproductive success significantly declines as we age, with a drastic dip and decline from about 40. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t options, and least of all, we want to ensure women and couples feel they have been listened to, supported and tried as much as they can or want to. That’s why at Demeter we don’t turn anyone away, why we try different and innovative approaches and why a significant percentage of our patient base fall into this age range.
The Demeter Fertility Over 40s Program is a proactive and evidence-based holistic approach to healthy fertility and IVF, aimed at maximising your chances of having a baby later in life. For women trying to get pregnant after 40, Demeter Fertility doctors’ opinion is that this is urgent, time-sensitive and an individualised treatment approach is appropriate.
Time is one of the most important factors with decreased ovarian reserve, a condition most 40+ women face. The sooner treatment can be started, the higher a woman’s pregnancy chances.
There are multiple types of treatment options available to women over 40 to improve ovarian function, and maximise the ability of their eggs to make babies, however many of those options offered at corporate clinics are one-size-fits-all assembly line approaches and we know this doesn’t work for women in this age group.
IVF with ovarian stimulation is generally the quickest and most reliable treatment option, around 10 times more likely on a monthly basis to result in a pregnancy compared to sexual intercourse alone.
For most women looking to get pregnant with their own eggs, including those over age 40, IVF with ovarian stimulation is generally the quickest and most reliable treatment option, around 10 times more likely on a monthly basis to result in a pregnancy compared to sexual intercourse alone. It’s another example of the IVF technology maximising the ability of an egg that can make a baby, to make a baby. However, doctors at Demeter Fertility believe the specific requirements of women’s bodies and reproductive health over the age of 40 requires different approaches from those under 40.
For instance, women over 40 often require supplementation to readjust their ovarian environment to a more youthful, androgen-rich state before commencing IVF treatment. This allows eggs to undergo a healthier maturation process.
Once the IVF cycle starts, your Demeter Fertility doctor will tailor the protocols to match your needs. You will not find a one-size-fits-all protocol here at Demeter Fertility. This approach has resulted in impressive pregnancy rates, even for women at advanced maternal ages up to age 47, as well as for those with severely diminished ovarian reserve.
Contact our dedicated team at Demeter Fertility
