Consider: The Ramification of Female Age on Reproductive Health

Abstract

Female-factor infertility is an emotional, physical, social and financial stress on couples as they try to conceive children. One cause of female infertility, and one seen more commonly, is age-related decreased fertility. Clinicians within and outside the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology can provide a vested discussion with patients who are delaying childbearing for social or ethical reasons to consider fertility preservation. The medical profession is obligated to consider their patients’ health status, age and treatments in counseling for future reproductive health and satisfaction. With the advent of ART many advances are available such as social freezing of oocytes, fertility preservation in patients undergoing treatments that can alter oocyte quality, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and the extreme end of management with Invitro fertilization (IVF). Unfortunately, those patients who present with diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure may not be ideal candidates for these services, but we can offer hope. The focus of the evaluation is to determine the goal of each patient, whether having a biological child, experiencing pregnancy, or the nurturing capacity of parenting. Through Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialists, hope is provided for patients who may have neglected or overlooked the aging effects on oocyte quantity and, even more importantly, quality. Nevertheless, the future is optimistic and the goal is to provide women with the best care which starts through educating on reproductive health.