I’m in my 40s and want to become a mother. What are my options?

Many women and couples choose to start a family later in life. However, the chances of getting pregnant decline considerably with age. By 40, you only have a 5% chance of conceiving naturally for each menstrual cycle. However, in Spain, a country known for its progressive approach to fertility, assisted reproductive medicine provides renewed hope and opportunity for older women.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs

IVF with donor eggs is frequently the first option for more mature patients. As we age, so do our eggs resulting in decreased egg quality and lowering the chances for a healthy embryo. Using donor eggs, which have been thoroughly checked for genetic and health factors, can dramatically increase the likelihood of a safe pregnancy.

How it works: In this procedure, eggs from a young, healthy donor are fertilized in a laboratory using partner or donor sperm. The resultant embryos are then placed in the patient’s uterus. This procedure which is called a “transfer” is simple and painless, much like a pap smear.

Who it’s for: Patients over the age of 40 have a significantly better chance of success using donated eggs. However, it is possible to conceive this way until the age of 52 (the age limit for most clinics). While menopause stops the production of eggs, you can still get pregnant with donor eggs. Likewise, if you have a genetic disease, a chromosomal abnormality or a disease that contraindicates ovarian stimulation, this could be the option for you. It is also ideal for patients who have had previous failed attempts at IVF with their own eggs.

Advantages: IVF with donor eggs has a high success rate because the eggs used are of excellent quality. Many women in their forties have had successful pregnancies with this procedure.

Selecting this treatment is a very personal decision and many patients benefit from emotional and psychological support. Our recommended list of clinics offer in-house counseling at every stage of your treatment.

Cost considerations: This treatment is much more expensive than other treatments (8 000€ - 10 000€). The reason for this is that the donor is compensated for her time and her medication is expensive (approximately 2 500€). However, clinics in Spain provide transparent pricing and financing options, allowing you to plan your treatment within your budget.

Embryo Donation

Embryo donation is becoming an increasingly popular option. This is made possible thanks to women or couples donating their embryos altruistically.

How it works: Embryo donation involves transferring embryos which have been donated by another woman or couple. In some cases it is recommended that the patient undergo a special treatment to ensure that the endometrium is in optimal condition to receive the embryo.

Who it’s for: This treatment is generally recommended for patients over the age of 40 who do not have a male partner or who have a male partner with fertility issues. It could be a feasible option for women who can not afford IVF with donor eggs.

Advantages: Egg donation is much more cost-effective than IVF using donor eggs. Egg donation typically costs between 2 000€ and 4 000€ while creating embryos with donor eggs costs upwards of 8 000€. Furthermore, it offers the possibility to adopt an embryo that might otherwise go unused.

If you plan to have numerous children and would like them to be genetically related, many clinics offer the possibility to reserve embryos from the same couple for future use.

Donor Selection

Choosing the correct donor is a crucial part of the medical process. In Spain, donors are rigorously screened to meet medical, genetic and psychological requirements. Clinics have detailed information on each donor including medical history, genetics and physical traits.

Donors are selected to match your physical characteristics (eye colour, skin tone, hair colour and texture, etc.). Finally, photos of the egg donor are compared with photos of the patient to ensure the closest possible match.

Choosing the Right Clinic

It is crucial to choose the right clinic for you, where you feel trust and know your case will be treated professionally. Our review of Barcelona’s top clinics is a good place to start. We only recommend the best clinics which specialise in treating mature women and provide psychological support throughout your treatment. You can pursue motherhood with confidence knowing that you will receive quality care.