IVF Success Not Only Financial, Age Key Factor

Having sufficient financial capability is not the sole guarantee for the success of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Reproductive health experts warn that a critical factor often overlooked by couples is age and ovarian reserve.

Gynaecologist Prof. Dr. dr. Nusratuddin Abdullah stated that meeting IVF criteria is not straightforward, emphasising that the mother’s age is the most decisive variable in success.

‘For IVF, the most important factor to consider is the couple’s age, especially the woman’s,’ Prof. Nusratuddin said on Tuesday (26 May).

Theoretically, women aged 35 and above should be vigilant about their reproductive health. Couples over 38 are advised to seek timely medical decisions.

According to Prof. Nusratuddin, as age increases, egg reserves diminish, automatically reducing pregnancy chances. Besides age, conditions like endometriosis pose serious threats as these cysts can damage eggs and reduce ovarian reserve.

Similarly, Prof. Dr. dr. Tono Djuwantono stressed the importance of early awareness of reproductive health. He noted that untreated reproductive disorders lead to higher treatment costs.

‘We aim to educate that prevention is key. The public must understand menstrual cycles and period pain. Do not let abnormal discharge persist, as it can cause issues in the fallopian tubes,’ Prof. Tono explained.

He also hopes local fertility facilities like Nusraya Fertility Centre will reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad by offering quality-equivalent medical protocols.

Meanwhile, Dr. Binarwan Halim provided a simple analogy of conception: ‘The uterus and sperm are the soil and seed, while ovarian stimulation is the fertilizer. Proper stimulation yields high-quality eggs. With good seeds, success rates are much higher.’

Experts agree that the key for couples facing infertility is not delaying medical checks. Early detection increases IVF success chances.