Over 40s Fertility Program: Conceiving after 40
Your journey, your choice
At Demeter Fertility, we understand that the journey to parenthood looks different for everyone. If you’re considering conceiving after 40, you’re not alone – and you’re not without options.
Our Over 40s Fertility Program offers compassionate, strategic care tailored to the unique needs of this age group to help you make informed choices that feel right for you.
Understanding fertility in your 40s
Fertility naturally changes with age. Women are born with a finite number of eggs; both egg quality and quantity decline over time. These changes can make conceiving after 40 more challenging, but not impossible.
While the statistics highlight challenges, they don’t dictate your individual outcome. Women can conceive after 40, especially with the right guidance, support and IVF treatment – that’s where we come in.
Our Over-40s Fertility Program
Demeter’s Over-40s Fertility Program is one of the most advanced in Australia. Led by Dr David Knight, a pioneer in patient-first IVF treatment, this program is tailored to support women with lower ovarian reserve and other age-related fertility changes.
Our program is grounded in the belief that older women require a tailored approach to fertility treatment. For us, simply doing what works for under-40s is actually a disservice to over-40s. You will not find a one-size-fits-all protocol here at Demeter Fertility.
For instance, if you’re over 40 and hope to conceive with your own eggs, you may benefit from ovarian rejuvenation to readjust your ovarian environment to a more androgen-rich state before commencing IVF treatment. This allows eggs to undergo a healthier maturation process.
What makes our program different?
1
Time-sensitive treatment
We act swiftly for over-40s, conscious that fertility is declining.
2
Advanced assessment
Comprehensive fertility testing of hormone levels, ovarian reserve and reproductive history.
3
Ovarian rejuvenation
Cutting-edge ovarian rejuvenation treatments to help improve egg quality and quantity.
4
Pre-implantation genetic testing
Selecting the healthiest embryos to increase success rates.
5
Comprehensive donor program
Access to donor eggs and sperm to provide other pathways to parenthood.
6
Inclusive approach
A welcoming fertility journey inclusive of singles, couples and LGBTQIA+ people.
Demeter Fertility is here for you
Choosing to try for a baby in your 40s is a deeply personal decision. At Demeter, you’re never just a number or a case – you’re a person with hopes, questions, and a story that deserves respect.
Your fertility plan is always up to you. We’re here to offer options and support, not pressure. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and empowered so you can move forward knowing you’ve done everything you could or wanted to.
If you’d like to learn more about our Over-40s Fertility Program or talk to someone about your options, please talk to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural conception for over-40s
Women aged 40-41 when they started IVF
(using own eggs – rates may be higher with donor eggs)
| Natural conception for over-40s |
Women aged 40–41 when they started IVF
(using own eggs – rates may be higher with donor eggs) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cycle | 1 IVF cycle | 2 IVF cycles | 3 IVF cycles | |
| Chance of conception | 5% | 13% | 21% | 25% |
| Increase in success rate | N/A | 2.6 times more successful | 4.2 times more successful | 5 times more successful |
Yes, we have extensive experience here.
Demeter Fertility was the first IVF Unit in Australia to enter into service level agreements with multiple overseas donor banks. Many of our patients use donor eggs or sperm to overcome fertility concerns. That includes single women and same-sex couples.
Ovarian reserve is typically assessed using a blood test (anti-Müllerian Hormone, or AMH) and an ultrasound to count antral follicles.
While success rates may be lower, many women with diminished ovarian reserve still conceive using IVF. For such women, we often recommend our ovarian rejuvenation program to help improve outcomes.
There may be increased risks of miscarriage, gestational diabetes and chromosomal conditions. That can sound scary but you’ll be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy to manage these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women conceive after 40
Yes, it can be done. While fertility does decline with age, IVF treatment and other reproductive technologies can help overcome some of the challenges as the research statistics below show.
Natural conception for over-40s |
Women aged 40-41 when they started IVF (using own eggs – rates may be higher with donor eggs) | |||
Monthly cycle | 1 IVF cycle | 2 IVF cycles | 3 IVF cycles | |
Chance of conception | 13% | 21% | 25% | |
Increase in success rate | N/A | 2.6 times more successful | 4.2 times more successful | 5 times more successful |
What is diminished ovarian reserve?
This term refers to a lower quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries. It’s a common cause of infertility in women over 40, but treatment options are available.
How is ovarian reserve tested?
Ovarian reserve is typically assessed using a blood test (anti-Müllerian Hormone, or AMH) and an ultrasound to count antral follicles.
Does IVF still work with lower ovarian reserve?
While success rates may be lower, many women with diminished ovarian reserve still conceive using IVF. For such women, we often recommend our ovarian rejuvenation program to help improve outcomes.
What are the risks of conceiving after 40?
There may be increased risks of miscarriage, gestational diabetes and chromosomal conditions. That can sound scary but you’ll be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy to manage these risks.
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.
Other Standard IVF Treatments:
