IVF in Brazil for Women Over 40 — Success Rates, Realistic Expectations, and Options

Clear, evidence-based guidance for women 40+ considering IVF in Brazil: age-adjusted outcomes, realistic chances, and practical options.

Bringing a pregnancy to term with IVF at age 40 or older is possible, but success rates decline with increasing maternal age. This article summarizes age-specific realities, treatment modifications used by clinics, the role of donor eggs, and what international patients should ask their Brazilian clinic.

What the data shows about age & success

Across fertility clinics globally, success with IVF falls as ovarian reserve and egg quality diminish with age. For women under 35, live-birth rates per transfer can be relatively high; by the time a patient reaches her early 40s, per-cycle live-birth rates drop substantially. Regional analyses and clinic reports from Brazil show the same age effect: many clinics report markedly lower live-birth rates for patients >40 and higher reliance on donor eggs to achieve outcomes comparable to younger patients. Always request age-stratified clinic outcomes. 

Typical success ranges (contextual numbers)

Percentages vary by clinic and patient mix, but general guidance from fertility literature: live birth per embryo transfer might range from ~40–60% for women <35, decline to the mid-20s–30s for ages 35–39, and often fall below 15–20% per cycle for many clinics treating women 40–42 using autologous eggs. For women older than 42–43, autologous success rates per cycle are commonly in the low single digits — making donor eggs a common option to substantially raise success. Because reporting varies, use clinic-provided age bands for the most accurate estimate. 

Clinical strategies for patients 40+

• Intensive ovarian stimulation protocols to maximize egg yield.

• Use of ICSI and advanced embryology to improve fertilization and embryo culture.

• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) to screen embryos for chromosomal normality (may reduce miscarriage risk but does not increase egg quality).

• Consideration of donor egg cycles for higher success rates and shorter time-to-pregnancy. 

Donor eggs as a realistic pathway

In Brazil and elsewhere, donor egg cycles are often recommended when ovarian reserve is low or prior cycles have failed. Donor eggs, typically from younger donors, markedly increase the chance of a pregnancy and live birth; many clinics report donor-egg live-birth rates similar to those of younger recipients because embryo quality derives primarily from the egg. If donor-egg is under consideration, discuss matching, legal consent, and documentation with the clinic. 

Costs and timeframes for older patients

Costs can be higher for older patients because of additional monitoring, medications, and possible use of PGT or donor eggs. Donor-egg cycles often add donor selection and procurement fees. International patients should budget for multiple visits, and factor in medication shipping or local procurement. Confirm whether quoted prices include medications, donor fees, PGT, and embryo storage. 

Choosing a clinic & next steps

Ask clinics for: age-specific live birth rates, thaw-survival rates (if frozen eggs/embryos are used), policies on embryo transfer numbers, and counseling about donor options. Oasis Travel can coordinate initial medical record review and second-opinion discussions with Brazilian clinics experienced in advanced-age IVF care.