Ageing and ART: a waste of time and money?

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2007 Feb;21(1):5-20. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.09.004. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Abstract

In many societies, more and more young women are delaying childbearing until the fourth decade of life. It is well known that fertility is remarkably reduced with increasing age of women in both natural conceptions and assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this chapter, the effect of ageing on the pregnancy rate in ART, and the options available to improve the reproductive outcomes in women of advanced age will be presented after understanding the mechanism of reproductive ageing and the effects of ageing on the reproductive outcomes in normal women. It is important to identify the predictive factors associated with a better treatment outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Maternal Age*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*