After 40, live-birth rates with own eggs drop sharply - from around 20-25% per transfer at 40 to under 5% by 44. Most patients over 42 achieve their best odds with donor eggs, where success rates return to 45-60% per transfer regardless of the recipient's age.
Age limits vary widely. Greece treats up to 54, North Cyprus around 52, Czech Republic around 48. UK clinics rarely treat above 43-45. Abroad, both own-egg and donor pathways are available - often at half the UK cost.
- Greece has the highest legal age limit in Europe (54)
- Donor eggs deliver 45-60% live-birth rates regardless of recipient age
- Expect to be asked for recent AMH, FSH and antral follicle count
- PGT-A testing is often recommended for own-egg cycles over 38
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FAQ
What's the age limit for IVF abroad?
It varies by country: Greece up to 54, North Cyprus around 52, Czech Republic around 48, Poland around 50. UK NHS rarely funds over 42; private UK clinics cap around 45-47.
Should I use donor eggs over 42?
Most fertility specialists recommend considering donor eggs from around 42-43, when own-egg live-birth rates typically fall below 5-10% per cycle. Donor egg live-birth rates are 45-60% regardless of recipient age.
Are IVF success rates lower abroad for older women?
No - leading European donor programmes match or exceed UK per-transfer success rates for women over 40, largely because donor pools are younger and larger.