IVF has finally brought hope to the lives of many couples suffering from infertility cases for the last few years. The more these treatments are offered, the higher the need is to understand how age restrictions govern and regulate access in India.
Thus, people are better off being aware of the rules; that way they will be deciding upon their options towards motherhood. Among others, age alone is yet another determinant towards the success rates of IVF treatment.
You may have heard stories of women giving birth at 50 or later in life. These are exceptional cases, but they usually involve women who have maintained good health and strong reproductive systems. Let us explore the age limit for IVF treatment set by the Indian government for the welfare of couples facing infertility at later ages.
Understanding IVF and Its Significance
IVF is another option for couples who can’t conceive easily. It works by mixing the sperm of the man with the egg of a woman outside of the body. After their fusion, the small baby seed named the embryo is then placed inside the womb of the woman, where it could develop into a child.
In this treatment, many couples see hope who suffer from age issues, health disorders, or others. IVF has helped many families achieve their dream of parenthood and experience the pleasure of raising a child through advances in medical science.
Age Limit for IVF in India
Age is the determinant factor in IVF procedures. So, the Indian Government has set age limitations for those people who undergo IVF procedures in India as follows:
Legal Age Limits:
A man may get IVF in India between the ages of 21 and 55, while a woman may get it between the ages of 21 and 50. These regulations can protect both the mother and the infant simultaneously.
IVF Maximum Age:
Women can use their own eggs until about 45. IVF is possible up to age 50 using donated eggs. Men’s upper age limit is 55.
Minimum Age for IVF:
Both genders have to be at least 21 years of age to ensure that they are mature enough to make decisions that will be foolproof, or in other words, wise.
Women generally tend to have higher-quality eggs and have a better chance of success when they are aged 25 to 35.
Why Age Limit Exists in India?
Simply because a woman’s fertility decreases with age, the ART Act provides age restrictions for such procedures through IVF. The reasons why IVF is hard and complicated for women over 40 are as follows;
Poor quality of eggs
Women’s egg production reduces, and the eggs deteriorate with age. This complicates fertilisation and also the birth of a healthy baby.
Higher risks of health conditions
Pregnancy complications often accompanied by high blood pressure, also known as preeclampsia; high blood sugar, also called gestational diabetes; and a need for cesarean delivery are more likely to occur with advancing maternal age.
For women over 40, these factors decrease the success rate of IVF.
Age Limit in Other Countries
Like in India, other countries also set age limits for the individuals who undergo IVF treatment but with some exceptions as follows:
- USA: Most centres of IVF do not accept women older than 50. Some might do so if she is healthy.
- UK: In the UK, it is available through the National Health Service, up to age 42. Some private clinics may still offer treatment for up to 50 years.
- Australia: According to one’s health and circumstances, some clinics offer IVF in women up to 51 years of age.
In most countries, IVF is more effective when done on a young woman and with some advanced techniques and individual health conditions, the result may vary for later ages.
Other Considerations Beyond Age Limit
When determining whether IVF is good for you, age is a significant consideration, but there are other factors as well.
- Health Conditions: If either couple has a medical issue, it may need to be treated before IVF can be successful.
- Marital Status: Even unmarried women or single mothers can conceive through IVF with the use of donor sperm.
- Counselling: Counselling is often recommended to help with the mental and emotional challenges that infertility brings because IVF may be an emotional experience.
- IVF services in India are also available for foreigners under the ART Act.
Along with age, all of these criteria affect eligibility for IVF.
The Exceptions and Special Cases: Real-Life Incident
In India, women up to the age of 50 years are legally allowed to undergo IVF therapy. Women above 50 years of age may be exempt, however, if they pass rigorous health tests and show fit for the surgery. This is because IVF conducted at later stages poses dangers, including health risks to the mother and the growing fetus.
The latest one would be that of Sidhu Moose Wala’s mother, Charan Kaur, who gave birth through IVF when she was 58 years of age. One case of this sort where a mother could enjoy exceptions under circumstances was Charan Kaur who got herself a properly medicated check-up to ensure she remained healthy, while at the same time, her child also did so.
Success Rates of IVF After 40
IVF offers higher value for women above 40 than any other advanced fertility treatment. On the first try for women under 40, the chances of getting pregnant are higher when compared to women over 40. The success rate can vary depending on their age and health conditions. Before IVF, fertility doctor typically do several tests to estimate the success rate.
Using donor eggs rather than their own can increase the likelihood of success for women over 45. Pregnancy is more likely if a woman donates her eggs if she is over 45 or has higher levels of FSH.
Conclusion
In India, the ART Act establishes guidelines to guarantee IVF is carried out morally and safely. The 50-year-old age restriction for women is in place because of the risks of pregnancy at older ages, including health problems for the mother, preterm births, and difficulties rearing the kid.
It’s crucial to comprehend these rules if you’re thinking about IVF and speak with a trained IVF specialist who can offer you advice tailored to your particular circumstances. To receive safe and moral treatment, it is essential for anyone struggling with infertility to consult a specialist.
