IVF with own eggs: when is it viable?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with own eggs is one of the most commonly used treatments in assisted reproduction when a couple or a woman wishes to achieve pregnancy using her own gametes, without resorting to egg donation.
IVF is the technique that offers the highest chances of success when pregnancy is not achieved naturally.
Here we explain when this treatment is recommended, what its success rates are and how the process works step by step.
Índice
When to opt for IVF with own eggs
IVF is usually recommended when there are difficulties in achieving pregnancy naturally or when simpler treatments such as artificial insemination (either intrauterine insemination with partner’s sperm or donor sperm insemination) have not been successful.
The most common situations in which this treatment is indicated include:
- Unexplained infertility
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Alterations in semen quality
- Advanced maternal age
- Low ovarian reserve
- Failure of previous treatments such as artificial insemination
- Genetic conditions requiring preimplantation testing
Success rates
The chances of pregnancy in IVF with own eggs mainly depend on:
- The woman’s age
- Egg quality
- The number of embryos obtained
- The condition of the uterus
- Semen quality
In general, the younger the patient, the higher the success rate.
Estimated success rates by age
| Woman’s age | Approximate probability per cycle |
| < 35 years | 45 – 60 % |
| 35 – 39 years | 30 – 45 % |
| 40- 42 years | 15 – 25 % |
| > 42 years | <10 – 15 % |
It is important to bear in mind that many patients undergo several cycles or embryo transfers, which increases the cumulative probability of pregnancy.
You can find more information about IVF success rates according to age and individual treatment characteristics.
IVF process with own eggs
The IVF treatment consists of several stages designed to obtain eggs, fertilise them in the laboratory and transfer the embryos into the uterus.
Ovarian stimulation
The first step is to stimulate the ovaries for several days using hormonal medication so that multiple eggs are produced in a single cycle.
During this phase, ultrasound monitoring is performed to assess follicular growth and adjust medication if necessary. In some cases, hormonal blood tests may also be carried out.
The aim is to obtain the highest possible number of mature eggs in order to increase the chances of success.
Egg retrieval and fertilisation
When the follicles reach the appropriate size, ovarian puncture is scheduled, a simple procedure performed under sedation.
The retrieved eggs are taken to the laboratory, where they are fertilised using:
- Conventional IVF
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
In both cases, the following may be used:
- Partner’s sperm
- Donor sperm
After fertilisation, embryos are cultured for 5–6 days until the best-quality ones are selected.
Embryo transfer
Once the embryos have developed in the laboratory, the highest-quality embryo is selected for transfer. This does not necessarily guarantee pregnancy, as outcomes depend on multiple factors.
Embryo transfer consists of placing the embryo inside the uterus using a very fine catheter.
This is a simple, painless procedure that usually takes only a few minutes.
Depending on the case, the embryo may come from:
- Partner’s sperm: when semen parameters are adequate or can be improved using techniques such as ICSI.
- Donor sperm: used in cases of severe male factor infertility or in treatments for women without a male partner.
Cryopreservation
If additional good-quality embryos are obtained, they can be frozen using vitrification.
This allows:
- Performing new embryo transfers without repeating ovarian stimulation
- Increasing the cumulative probability of pregnancy
- Preserving embryos for future attempts
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to become a mother at 43 using own eggs?
Yes, it is possible to become a mother at 43 using your own eggs, although the chances of success are significantly lower compared to younger ages.
After the age of 40, egg quality decreases and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, so each case must be assessed individually.
What is the age limit for IVF with own eggs?
There is no exact age limit, but most IVF treatments with own eggs are performed up to the age of 42–43, depending on ovarian reserve and individual patient characteristics.
What is the success rate with own eggs vs donor eggs?
Success rates depend largely on age, although they are generally higher with donor eggs, as they come from young women with high-quality oocytes.
As a general reference:
| Treatment | Approximate pregnancy rate |
| IVF with own eggs (<35 years) | 45 – 60 % |
| IVF with own eggs (>40 years) | 10 – 25 % |
| IVF with donor eggs | 50 – 65 % |
How much does IVF with own eggs cost?
The cost of IVF with own eggs in Spain usually ranges between €4,000 and €7,000 per cycle, although this may vary depending on the clinic, required tests or additional techniques.
In summary, IVF with own eggs is one of the most widely used techniques in assisted reproduction and allows many women to achieve pregnancy using their own eggs. Age and egg quality are the factors that most influence success rates, so a personalised evaluation is essential to determine the most appropriate reproductive strategy.
Dr. Cecilia Quetglas, Instituto Bernabeu Palma de Mallorca.