The success of fertility procedures will depend on several factors including the woman's age, the health and condition of her fallopian tubes and uterus, and the quality of the man's sperm. These procedures work best when a woman is younger than 40. Sometimes there are reasons to perform these procedures after age 40, but the couple must understand that the chances for success are decreased. In vitro fertilization becomes necessary when there are no fallopian tubes, or where there is irreparable tubal damage. The other procedures can be performed when the woman's tubes are healthy and open.
Doctors can use x-rays or a laparoscopy to judge the condition of the fallopian tubes.
A woman will also need to have a healthy and intact uterus. The University of Michigan Health System does not participate in establishing pregnancies in surrogate mothers. The man's age does not matter, but the quality and health of his sperm affects the success of these procedures. Pregnancy rates are lower with abnormal semen analyses. Sperm needs to be free from bacterial and viral infection.