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.
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.
Here’s what the latest data and clinical experience reveal about the average number of eggs retrieved:
Younger women tend to respond very well to stimulation medications, resulting in high egg yields. Many eggs are healthy and capable of forming embryos.
While slight declines in quality start around 33, overall prognosis remains very positive.
This is often when women first begin noticing age-related fertility changes.
The decline accelerates after 38–39, making IVF more challenging, though not impossible.
More cycles and/or donor eggs may be recommended for women in this age group.
One IVF cycle aims to retrieve as many good-quality eggs as possible. Research shows:
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.
Though age is the biggest factor, there are ways to help optimise your results:
A fertility expert like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin will recommend a tailored protocol to maximise ovarian response for your age.
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:
Having an empathetic, experienced team supporting you through the process makes a big difference.
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.