Advanced Maternal Age and Infertility

As women age, their fertility potential decreases. This decline is related to a reduction in both the number and quality of eggs.

Reasons for Decreased Fertility at Advanced Ages

Decreased ovarian reserve: As women age, the total number of eggs in their ovaries decreases. Ovarian reserve naturally declines with the aging process, which affects fertility potential. Decreased egg quality: As age advances, egg quality also decreases. Poor quality eggs have a lower potential for fertilization and healthy embryo formation. This reduces the chance of pregnancy and increases the likelihood of miscarriage. Increased risk of genetic abnormalities: Becoming pregnant at an advanced age increases the likelihood of genetic abnormalities. Especially women over 38 are at risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Therefore, women who become pregnant at an advanced age may undergo genetic testing.

The Relationship Between Advanced Maternal Age and Infertility

• Ovarian stimulation: In IVF treatment at advanced age, the woman’s ovaries need to be stimulated more. This encourages the production of more eggs and increases the chance of treatment success.
• Egg freezing: Women considering IVF treatment at advanced age can freeze their eggs to preserve them for future use. This can be an option to maintain egg quality and fertility potential at a younger age.
• Genetic tests: Women considering IVF treatment at advanced age may undergo genetic testing. These tests aim to examine embryos for genetic abnormalities and ensure the transfer of healthy embryos.

The Ideal Age Risk Ratio During Pregnancy

Pregnancy age risk can vary depending on the woman’s age. However, generally, women over 38 are considered to have advanced maternal age pregnancies. Certain risks may increase in advanced maternal age pregnancies.

For example:

Genetic abnormalities: In advanced age pregnancies, the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities increases.

Health issues such as hypertension and diabetes: In advanced age pregnancies, health problems like hypertension (high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes (pregnancy diabetes) may occur more frequently.

Low birth weight: In advanced age pregnancies, the risk of low birth weight may increase. This can have negative effects on the baby’s health.

At What Age Can a Woman Get Pregnant at the Latest?

The natural age range during which a woman can conceive naturally varies for each individual but is generally between 45 and 50 years. However, this is a period when fertility potential significantly declines and the chance of pregnancy is low. In our clinic, the oldest woman to conceive via IVF was 47 years and 9 months old.

Is It Risky to Get Pregnant After Age 35?

After the age of 35, women who become pregnant have an increased risk of genetic disorders in the baby, miscarriage, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and hypertension.

From what age does a woman's fertility begin to decline?

Female fertility generally begins to decline after the age of 38.