UP TO WHAT AGE CAN IVF BE DONE? WHAT APPLIES IN GREECE
CONTENTS
The question "up to what age can IVF be done?" is one of the most common we are asked, and understandably so. Many women reach the stage of investigation or treatment at an older age than in the past. Here, however, we need to separate two different things: what the law allows and what is medically feasible or sensible. In Greece, according to the directive of the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction following Law 4958/2022, when the person receiving treatment is a woman, the age of natural reproductive capacity is defined as the fifty-fourth year, i.e. 54 years and 0 days on the day of the embryo transfer. This means that treatment is not permitted indefinitely, but nor does it automatically stop at 50 as it did in the past.
The rules from 50 to 54
The same directive makes clear that for women aged from 50 years and 1 day to 54 years and 0 days, a method of medically assisted reproduction may be used only after a permit from the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction. For this permit to be granted, specific documents and recent medical reports are required, including from a gynaecologist, a cardiologist or internist, and a doctor who assesses the condition of the breasts. The permit is valid for one year and in no case may extend beyond the 54th year at the time of the embryo transfer. In simple terms, the law does not say "after 50 everything is allowed". It says that there is a strictly regulated exception, subject to conditions and an official assessment. In addition, the Authority itself points out that the final decision on whether a woman over 50 will undergo treatment remains at the discretion of the treating doctor, who must weigh up the overall medical risk.
Why the biological clock does not stop because a law exists
The fact that treatment may be permitted up to a certain age does not mean that the chances of success stay the same. The HFEA in the United Kingdom reports, for example, that pregnancy rates per fresh embryo transfer are much higher at ages 18-34 than at ages 40-42 and 43-44. Similarly, the CDC stresses that age is one of the most important factors in interpreting success rates. This is mainly linked to two biological parameters: the number of eggs available and their quality. Over the years, not only does the reserve decline, but the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs also increases, which affects fertilisation, implantation and the continuation of the pregnancy.
So is there a right age?
The right answer is not a single number that applies to everyone. There is, however, a clear medical reality: the earlier the assessment is made, the more options there are. For a woman of 32 or 35 the discussion is different from that for a woman of 42, 45 or 51. That is why IVF is not decided on the basis of the year of birth alone. It requires a combination of history, hormone tests, the ultrasound picture, previous pregnancies or failures and overall health. At older ages this assessment becomes even more important, because it is not enough to ask "is it allowed?" – we must also ask "does it have a realistic chance of helping?".
The key points
If you want a practical summary, it is this: in Greece IVF is permitted up to the age of 54, but from 50 to 54 a special permit from the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction and full medical documentation are required. That, however, is only the legal side. Whether a treatment is truly suitable or has a realistic prospect of success depends on the biological age of the eggs, your history and your overall health.
Important note
This article is for information only and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Decisions about further testing, the choice of treatment and the timeline should be made together with a specialist in reproductive medicine.
Useful sources
He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.
His profileThe content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.
