Can IVF Work After 22 Years of Infertility? Indonesian Couple Welcomes Twins
- ACRC Global
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
After more than two decades of hoping to become parents, an Indonesian couple has welcomed twins following in vitro fertilization (IVF). The story, recently highlighted by BBC News Indonesia, has drawn attention because the mother was over 40 and reportedly had a very low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level.
For people asking whether IVF can work after many years of infertility, the short answer is yes, it can but every patient’s chances and treatment options are different. The outcome in one inspiring case cannot predict the result of another person’s IVF journey.
What Happened in This IVF Success Story?
According to reports, Aminatuzzahra, also known as Mina, and her husband, Riza Yusuf Santoso, are from Sumenep in East Java, Indonesia. They had been trying to grow their family for 22 years before pursuing IVF treatment at Morula IVF Surabaya.
Mina was 41 and Yusuf was 43 when they welcomed their twins. Their doctor reported that Mina’s AMH level was approximately 0.1 ng/mL, indicating a very low ovarian reserve. The couple reportedly obtained two embryos, and both implanted following transfer. Their twinsa boy named Rayan and a girl named Raina were born on July 2, 2026.
The published account also described individualized medical preparation, including an evaluation of Mina’s reproductive health before embryo transfer. These details are important because IVF is not one standard procedure that works the same way for every patient. Treatment planning may vary substantially according to age, ovarian response, sperm factors, uterine health, previous treatment and the fertility clinic’s medical assessment.
Key Takeaways From the Couple’s 22-Year IVF Journey
IVF may remain an option after a long history of infertility, depending on the results of a complete medical evaluation.
A very low AMH level may indicate that fewer eggs are likely to be obtained during ovarian stimulation, but AMH alone does not determine whether pregnancy or live birth is possible.
Age, sperm quality, embryo development, uterine health, diagnosis and laboratory procedures all influence IVF outcomes.
A twin pregnancy is not the expected or safest goal of every IVF cycle. Embryo-transfer decisions should be made individually with a qualified fertility physician.
A newsworthy IVF success story should offer hope, not a guarantee. Every patient needs realistic, personalized medical guidance.
Can IVF Work After 20 Years or More of Infertility?
IVF can sometimes result in pregnancy after many years of infertility, but the duration of infertility is only one part of the clinical picture. A fertility specialist will normally consider several factors, including:
The age of the person providing the eggs
Ovarian reserve and expected response to medication
Previous pregnancies, miscarriages or IVF cycles
Sperm count, movement and morphology
Fallopian-tube and uterine conditions
Endometriosis, ovulation disorders or other diagnoses
The number and development of embryos
Whether donor eggs, donor sperm or a surrogate may be appropriate
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that assisted reproductive technology success varies according to age, infertility diagnosis, pregnancy history and the procedures used. Clinic averages therefore cannot predict an individual patient’s result.
The important lesson from this couple’s experience is not that waiting longer improves the chances of success. It is that a thorough evaluation and an individualized treatment plan can help patients understand which options may still be available.
Can IVF Work With an AMH Level of 0.1?
It may be possible, but an AMH level of 0.1 ng/mL is generally considered extremely low and requires careful counselling by a reproductive endocrinologist.
AMH is a hormone used to estimate ovarian reserve—the approximate quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries. It is particularly useful for anticipating how the ovaries may respond to IVF stimulation and how many eggs might be retrieved.
However, AMH does not directly measure egg quality and cannot independently determine whether a patient will have a live birth. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) states that AMH and antral follicle count are useful predictors of egg yield, but are poor independent predictors of reproductive potential. ASRM also advises that extremely low AMH should not, by itself, be used to refuse IVF treatment.
Age remains especially important because egg quality and chromosomal normality generally decline over time. A fertility doctor may therefore consider AMH alongside age, ultrasound findings, prior response to medication, sperm factors and other medical information before discussing realistic options.
Does IVF Increase the Chance of Having Twins?
IVF can increase the chance of twins when more than one embryo is transferred and more than one embryo implants. In the Indonesian couple’s reported case, two embryos were transferred and both developed into pregnancies.
That does not mean two-embryo transfer is appropriate for every patient. ASRM states that transferring one embryo at a time is best medical practice in most IVF circumstances because twin and higher-order multiple pregnancies increase risks for both the pregnant patient and the babies.
The number of embryos transferred should be decided by the treating fertility physician after considering age, embryo quality, medical history, previous IVF outcomes and applicable professional guidance. Patients should ask their clinic to explain both the potential benefit and the risks before agreeing to an embryo-transfer plan.
Should Couples Wait Years Before Seeking Fertility Help?
No. This story should not be interpreted as a reason to postpone a fertility evaluation.
ASRM recommends beginning an infertility evaluation after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse when the woman is under 35, and after six months when she is 35 or older. For women over 40, a more immediate evaluation may be appropriate. Evaluation should also begin without delay when there is a known condition that could affect fertility.
Seeking guidance earlier can provide more time to understand the diagnosis and consider options such as timed treatment, intrauterine insemination, IVF, fertility preservation, donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy when medically and legally appropriate.
What Should You Ask When Choosing an IVF Doctor or Fertility Clinic?
Choosing the right fertility specialist involves more than looking for the highest advertised success rate. Useful questions include:
What diagnosis or factors may be contributing to our infertility?
Which tests do you recommend, and how will the results change the treatment plan?
How does my age and ovarian reserve affect my expected response to IVF?
Does the clinic regularly treat patients with a history similar to mine?
How are clinic success rates calculated, and do they reflect patients in my age and diagnosis group?
What is the clinic’s approach to single-embryo transfer and multiple-pregnancy risk?
What happens if we retrieve few eggs or do not obtain a transferable embryo?
When should donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy be discussed?
What medical, financial, legal and emotional support is available?
Who will coordinate communication among the clinic, laboratory and other professionals?
The CDC publishes clinic-specific U.S. assisted reproductive technology data, but it cautions that averages may not reflect an individual patient’s chances. A fertility doctor should interpret clinic data together with the patient’s circumstances.
How ACRC Global Helps Intended Parents Explore IVF and Surrogacy
The right fertility journey begins with the right medical team and a clear understanding of the available options. ACRC Global supports intended parents who are exploring IVF, egg or sperm donation, fertility care and surrogacy.
Through the Global Doctors fertility network, ACRC Global helps intended parents connect with trusted IVF clinics, OB-GYNs and fertility specialists. The network spans more than 35 cities, and ACRC reports partnerships with more than 50 clinics across the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.
Depending on a family’s needs, ACRC’s support may include:
Connecting intended parents with experienced fertility specialists and IVF clinics
Helping families compare physician qualifications, clinic services and treatment approaches
Coordinating communication throughout an international fertility journey
Providing IVF concierge support
Assisting with egg-donor or sperm-donor options
Coordinating surrogacy journeys when that pathway is appropriate
Helping intended parents understand the professionals and steps involved
ACRC does not promise a particular IVF, pregnancy or live-birth outcome. Treatment recommendations and medical decisions must be made by qualified physicians after an individual evaluation.
Ready to Discuss Your Family-Building Options?
If you are considering IVF, donor-assisted reproduction or surrogacy, you do not have to navigate every decision alone. ACRC Global can help you understand the next steps and connect with fertility professionals based on your needs.
You can also explore the Global Doctors network of IVF clinics and fertility specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IVF work after 22 years of infertility?
Yes, IVF can sometimes succeed after a very long history of infertility. However, success depends on individual factors such as age, diagnosis, ovarian response, sperm quality, embryo development and uterine health. One couple’s success cannot predict another patient’s outcome.
Can IVF succeed with very low AMH?
IVF may still be possible with very low AMH, but patients may produce fewer eggs during stimulation. AMH helps predict egg quantity and ovarian response; it does not independently determine egg quality, pregnancy or live birth. A reproductive endocrinologist should interpret the result alongside age and the complete medical history.
Can IVF work for a woman over 40?
IVF can work for some women over 40, but success rates generally decline with age, particularly when using a patient’s own eggs. A physician may discuss testing, expected response, embryo development, donor eggs or other options based on the individual evaluation.
Does IVF always cause twins?
No. IVF does not always result in twins. The likelihood rises when multiple embryos are transferred and more than one implants. In most circumstances, ASRM recommends single-embryo transfer to reduce the medical risks associated with multiple pregnancy.
When should I see a fertility specialist?
ASRM recommends evaluation after 12 months of trying when the woman is under 35, after six months when she is 35 or older, and more immediately when she is over 40 or has a known fertility-related condition.
How can ACRC Global help with IVF?
ACRC Global can help intended parents explore fertility options and connect with IVF clinics, OB-GYNs and fertility specialists through the Global Doctors network. Support may also include IVF concierge coordination, donor options and surrogacy services when appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. IVF outcomes vary considerably among individuals. Patients should consult a qualified reproductive endocrinologist or other licensed healthcare professional for advice based on their personal medical history. ACRC Global does not guarantee pregnancy or live birth.
References
BBC News Indonesia: “Bayi kembar lahir usai penantian panjang 22 tahun”
TIMES Indonesia: Couple Welcomes Twins Through IVF After a 22-Year Wait
American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Testing and Interpreting Measures of Ovarian Reserve
American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Fertility Evaluation of Infertile Women
American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Transferring One Embryo at a Time
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ART Success Rates
Global Doctors: IVF Clinics, OB-GYNs and Fertility Specialists
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