The success rate of IVF decreases as women age, primarily due to reduced ovarian reserves and lower egg quality. According to data from the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby based on age are as follows:

• 55% for women under 35 years
• 41% for women aged 35-37 years
• 26.8% for women aged 38-40 years
• 13.4% for women aged 41-42 years
• 4.3% for women over 42 years

These statistics highlight the importance of considering age when planning for IVF.

Pakistan has experienced a decline in fertility rates since the late 1980s. Some of the probable reasons for this trend include:

• Inflation: Increasing living costs have made it more challenging for families to support larger numbers of children.
• Rise in the legal age for marriage: Delaying marriage often leads to fewer children.
• Women’s empowerment: Greater access to education and career opportunities for women allows them to make informed choices about family planning.
• Education: Increased awareness and education about reproductive health contributes to smaller family sizes.
• Diet: Increased intake of fast food due to fast paced lifestyles.

These factors collectively influence family planning decisions and contribute to the declining fertility rate in the country.

In Pakistan, approximately 21.9% of the male population experiences infertility, with low sperm count being the most prevalent cause. Contributing factors include the use of drugs, exposure to radiation, urogenital duct blockage, chemotherapy, and smoking. These issues highlight the importance of addressing male reproductive health in fertility discussions.

Yes, azoospermia is treatable in Pakistan. The condition is evaluated and diagnosed to determine the underlying cause, and treatment options are tailored accordingly. Assisted Reproductive Technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are successfully employed to address azoospermia and restore fertility.
However, there are some cases of congenital azoospermia that cannot be treated. These exceptions are typically due to genetic factors that prevent the production of sperm.

Surrogacy is unlawful in Pakistan, as it is against the practices of the Quran and Sunnah, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FSC).

The cost of IVF in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 690,000 to PKR 1,290,000 per cycle. This fee includes all necessary steps and prerequisites, such as injections, fertility drugs, and consultation charges for fertility doctors and IVF specialists.
Using a frozen fertilized egg for a frozen-thawed embryo transfer in subsequent cycles can be more cost-effective than using a fresh embryo each time, as it allows patients to avoid repeating all the initial steps.

Egg freezing can be a beneficial option for:

• Women with a family medical history of early menopause or loss of ovarian function before age 40.
• Cancer patients who need to undergo treatments that may affect their fertility.
• Women facing medical treatments such as chemotherapy, severe endometriosis treatment, or gender-affirming surgery.
• Those with health conditions like autoimmune diseases that could impact fertility.

By extracting and storing eggs (a process known as cryopreservation), women can enhance their chances of conceiving in the future, even when facing these challenges.

Ideally, women between 21 and 30 years of age have the best quality eggs and a sufficient ovarian reserve. At this stage, there is minimal risk of birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities. The optimal age for egg freezing is generally around 35, as women still have a good number of healthy eggs. After this age, they typically lose over 90% of their eggs by age 37, and egg quality declines. Freezing eggs earlier can maximize the chances of successful conception in the future.