IVF, Donor, Egg Freezing And Surrogacy

IVF Success Rates by Age: What Women 35+ Need to Know

August 26, 2025

IVF after 35? Learn what success rates really mean, why preparation matters, and the steps that can boost your chances.

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I'm Jaya,

I’m so grateful we’ve found each other. If you’re here, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, let down by your body or the system, and craving real answers after endless Google searches and conflicting advice.
With 15 years experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Master’s in Reproductive Medicine, and extensive functional medicine training, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 850 families find clarity, confidence, and the right path to parenthood.

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If you’re over 35 and considering IVF, you’ve probably seen the stats. They’re everywhere and let’s be honest, they can feel crushing. The pressure of time, the weight of decisions, and the fear of ‘what if this is my last chance?’.

It’s a lot to carry.

But here’s the truth:  you’re not powerless in this process. You have more influence over your outcome than you might think. While age matters, preparation matters just as much.

You don’t have to navigate this journey feeling overwhelmed or alone. With the right steps, you can take back control, feel empowered, and give yourself the best chance at success.

In this blog, I’m breaking down the real numbers behind IVF success rates, why they decline with age, and the steps you can take to transform your results.

Because you deserve clarity, confidence, and a plan that works for you.

The Numbers (and What They Really Mean)

Here’s what the latest data tells us about live birth rates from IVF using your own eggs:

  • 35–37 years: ~31% per egg retrieval
  • 38–40 years: ~21%
  • 41–42 years: ~11%
  • Over 42 years: ~3–4%

At first glance, those numbers can feel daunting, like the odds are stacked against you.

But here’s what they don’t tell you: these are averages across thousands of women, and they don’t account for the choices you can make to influence your personal outcome.

Your story isn’t written in these stats, it’s written in how you prepare.

Here’s the explanation that often gets missed:

  • Egg supply naturally declines with age: by our mid-30s, the number of eggs in reserve drops more quickly.
  • Egg quality changes: older eggs are more likely to carry chromosomal errors, reducing the chance of creating a healthy embryo.
  • The body’s environment shifts: hormone balance, inflammation, thyroid health, and uterine receptivity all play a role, and these systems can become less efficient with age.

So yes, the statistics reflect real biological changes. But they are averages across thousands of women and they don’t account for the choices you can make to influence your personal outcome.

Why Preparation Is Everything

Your eggs don’t mature overnight.

It takes around 90 days for them to develop before ovulation. That means the three months leading up to IVF are a critical window where what you eat, how you live, and how you manage stress can directly impact the quality of the eggs retrieved.

This is where preparation becomes your superpower.

Think of it like planting a garden. The seeds you plant today, through your nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset, are what grow into the eggs retrieved during IVF.

The more you nurture the soil, the better your chances of a healthy harvest.

Actionable Steps to Boost IVF Success

Step 1. Supercharge Your Egg Quality in 90 Days

Your eggs are only as strong as the environment they grow in. Focus on mitochondrial support with supplements like CoQ10(ubiquinol), NMN, and antioxidants, and fuel your body with a nutrient-dense diet. Blood sugar stability is your secret weapon for balanced hormones. Ditch the ultra-processed foods and prioritise whole, unprocessed meals.

Step 2. Go Beyond Standard Testing

Don’t settle for ‘normal’ test results that miss what really matters. Dig deeper into thyroid health, nutrient markers, and sperm DNA fragmentation, because even subtle imbalances can make or break your IVF success.

Step 3. Detox Your Environment For Success

Your body is already working hard. Don’t let hidden stressors like plastics, pesticides, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals add to the load. Simple swaps like glass containers, organic produce, and low-tox skincare can make a big difference.

Step 4. Don’t Overlook Male Fertility

Male fertility is half the equation. In just 90 days, lifestyle upgrades like quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and adding targeted supplements can dramatically improve sperm quality.

Step 5. Align Your Mind + Body for Optimal Results

Stress isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological. Tools like acupuncture, meditation, and breath work can help regulate stress hormones, improve blood flow, and create a body that’s ready to support new life.

The Emotional Toll of IVF

IVF is demanding. Not just financially, but emotionally and physically.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even defeated at times. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right preparation and support, you can approach IVF with clarity, confidence, and renewed hope. And most importantly, you can feel empowered every step of the way, knowing you have someone in your corner.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re feeling weighed down by the numbers and unsure where to start, let’s create a personalised fertility roadmap together. On this free 15-minute call, I’ll help you map out your next steps with clarity and confidence, no strings attached, just real support.

I only take a limited number of calls each week to ensure every woman gets the attention she deserves. If you’re ready to take control of your fertility journey, book your free call today.

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Cooking is my happy place, 80s and 90s R&B is my vibe, and a good book is my perfect escape. I’m a skincare enthusiast and a total foodie who would happily travel just for the next great food adventure.

But my greatest passion? Helping women move from confusion and frustration to confidence and clarity in their fertility journey. I’m here to take the guesswork out of what’s next, provide real answers, and guide you toward the family you’ve been dreaming of—with a plan that’s as unique as you are.

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