Doç.Dr. Nurettin Türktekin
IVF Success Rates by Age: Average Number of Eggs Retrieved at 30, 35, and 40+

IVF Success Rates by Age: Average Number of Eggs Retrieved at 30, 35, and 40+

When planning an IVF cycle, one of the most common questions women ask is: How many eggs will I produce at my age? The average number of eggs retrieved in IVF by age plays a key role in treatment success, and understanding these numbers helps you prepare emotionally, physically, and financially for the journey.

In this guide, we explain how age impacts ovarian response, how many eggs are typically retrieved at different ages, and what these numbers mean for IVF success rates.

Why Does Egg Count Matter in IVF?

IVF success largely depends on both the quantity and quality of eggs retrieved. The more eggs collected, the higher the chance of creating viable embryos, especially since not every egg will fertilize or lead to a successful pregnancy.

However, age significantly affects both egg quantity and quality:

Age Range

Egg Quantity

Egg Quality

Embryo Potential

<30

High

High

High

30-34

Moderate-High

High

High

35-39

Moderate

Declining

Moderate

40+

Low

Low

Low

By knowing what to expect at each age, you and your fertility specialist can tailor the IVF plan to maximise your chances.

Average Number of Eggs Retrieved in IVF by Age

Here’s what the latest data and clinical experience reveal about the average number of eggs retrieved:

Age 30 and Under

  • Average eggs retrieved: 15–25
  • Top egg quality: Majority will be chromosomally normal (euploid)
  • Success rate per cycle: 50–60% clinical pregnancy

Younger women tend to respond very well to stimulation medications, resulting in high egg yields. Many eggs are healthy and capable of forming embryos.

Age 31–35

  • Average eggs retrieved: 10–20
  • Egg quality: Still good, though slightly reduced compared to under 30
  • Success rate per cycle: 40–50%

While slight declines in quality start around 33, overall prognosis remains very positive.

Age 36–38

  • Average eggs retrieved: 8–15
  • Egg quality: Noticeable decline, with an increasing rate of abnormal (aneuploid) eggs
  • Success rate per cycle: 30–40%

This is often when women first begin noticing age-related fertility changes.

Age 39–40

  • Average eggs retrieved: 5–10
  • Egg quality: Fewer normal eggs, higher miscarriage risk
  • Success rate per cycle: 15–25%

The decline accelerates after 38–39, making IVF more challenging, though not impossible.

Age 41–45

  • Average eggs retrieved: 3–7
  • Egg quality: Significant decline; <10% of eggs typically normal
  • Success rate per cycle: 5–15%

More cycles and/or donor eggs may be recommended for women in this age group.

How Many Eggs Do You Need for IVF Success?

One IVF cycle aims to retrieve as many good-quality eggs as possible. Research shows:

  • 6–9 mature eggs is generally considered the "sweet spot" for younger patients.
  • For older patients (40+), more cycles may be needed to achieve a sufficient number of embryos.

Target embryo number:

Age Group

Target Embryos for 1 Live Birth

Under 35

1–2 good-quality embryos

35–39

2–4 embryos

40+

5–8 embryos

Since not all retrieved eggs will fertilise or develop to blastocyst stage, having a larger number of retrieved eggs increases the odds of a successful outcome.

How to Improve Egg Yield and Quality

Though age is the biggest factor, there are ways to help optimise your results:

  • Personalised stimulation protocols designed by an experienced fertility specialist
  • Supplements (CoQ10, Vitamin D, omega-3s)
  • Healthy BMI (neither underweight nor overweight)
  • Stress reduction (yoga, meditation)
  • Limiting smoking and alcohol
  • Acupuncture (some studies suggest potential benefit)

A fertility expert like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin will recommend a tailored protocol to maximise ovarian response for your age.

Emotional Expectations: Preparing for the Process

Many women underestimate the emotional ups and downs of IVF. If your egg count comes back lower than expected, this can feel disappointing. But it’s important to remember:

  • One good egg is enough to make a healthy baby.
  • Egg quality is more important than sheer quantity.
  • Multiple IVF cycles may be needed—and that is completely normal.

Having an empathetic, experienced team supporting you through the process makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the average number of eggs retrieved in IVF by age helps you plan realistically and emotionally for your fertility journey. Whether you are 30, 35, or 40+, every IVF cycle is unique.

If you are exploring IVF options, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin offers personalised, compassionate care with advanced stimulation protocols designed to optimise your egg yield and success rates at any age.

Ready to start your IVF journey? Contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin today for an expert consultation and personalised fertility plan.

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