Age and infertility are directly correlated and age is a common cause of infertility. Women are born with all of the eggs that are needed for a lifetime.  Once menstruation begins, an egg (s) is ovulated each month until the menopause. Unfortunately, as women age so do their eggs and fertilization and pregnancy rates decline, sometimes precipitously. Most men remain fertile throughout their adult lives.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) defines infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, regular intercourse.  The time is shortened to six months in women over 35 because of the rapid loss of fertility that can occur in this age group. These women should see a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist as soon as possible.

Many women are delaying childbearing until there careers are established and couples are waiting longer to get married.  Unfortunately, the biological clock does not sync with societies clock which is why there has been an increase in women seeking specialty fertility care. Women are most fertile in their teens and early twenties but in today’s society few are prepared to have children at these young ages. As women age infertility increases.

As women age and their eggs begin to loose their ability to fertilize and develop into a healthy fetus, the condition is known as reduced ovarian reserve. After menopause, the condition is known as ovarian failure and menopause can occur at much earlier ages than predicted.

Fortunately, donor egg IVF is available for women who cannot become pregnant using their own eggs due to age related infertility.  Donors are healthy, screened, younger women who wish to donate their eggs to help infertile couples.  IVF success rates using donor eggs are high being equivalent to the age of the donor. For example, if the eggs from a 22 year old are used in an IVF cycle with a 40 year old, the success rates equal the 22 year old age group.  Donors are compensated for their time and efforts

We have a very active, successful, donor egg program that has helped hundreds of older women conceive.  Please contact us if you need more information.