More older women than ever are using IVF in the UK. New figures from the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) indicate that 19% of IVF cycles are performed on women over 40, nearly double the proportion 13 years ago. In 1998, the over 40s accounted for only 10% of IVF cycles. The figures also show 13.6% of IVF cycles in 2010 were 40 to 42-year-olds, 3.5% in 43 to 44-year-olds, and 1.9% were aged 45 years or older. Since 1991, the average age of women having IVF has risen by 18 months, from 33.6 years to 35.1 years.

Dr Marie Wren, of the Lister Hospital in London, said almost a third of the patients attending were over 40.

“If you look at the older women we have treated in the last three years, the number has risen significantly. I think part of the reason is that women are now aware that it is possible to try to get pregnant at an older age. Increasingly, an awful lot of 40-plus women don't see themselves as old. Many are fit and healthy and look extremely youthful.” ~ London Telegraph, Nov 16