Age-specific success rate for women undertaking their first assisted reproduction technology treatment using their own oocytes in Australia, 2002–2005

BACKGROUND Woman's age is an independent factor determining the success of assisted reproductive technology treatment. This study presents the age-specific success rate of first autologous fresh treatment in Australia during 2002–2005. METHODS This is a retrospective population-based study of 36 412 initiated first autologous fresh cycles conducted in Australian clinics during 2002–2005. Pregnancy and live delivery rates per initiated cycle were determined for each age. RESULTS The overall live delivery rate per initiated cycle was 20.4% with the highest success rate in women aged between 22 and 36 years. Male factor only infertility had a higher live delivery rate (22.0%) than female factor only infertility (19.2%). Advancing woman's age was associated with a decline in success rate. For women ≥30 years, each additional 1 year in age was associated with an 11% (99% CI: 10–12%) reduction in the chance of achieving pregnancy and a 13% (99% CI: 12–14%) reduction in the chance of a live delivery. If women aged 35 years or older would have had their first autologous fresh treatment 1 year earlier, 15% extra live deliveries would be expected. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that women aged 35 years or older should be encouraged to seek early fertility assessment and treatment where clinically indicated.