| "My biological clock is ticking" is a common expression. | | | | these claims have not been tested but there is little |
| It indicates that a woman recognises that she is | | | | doubt that at least some of the stories are true. |
| getting older and that she can't indefinitely postpone | | | | Some women have normal pregnancies after 50, but |
| having children. Perhaps it is wisest, if possible, to use | | | | these cases are exceptions and far from usual. |
| the years between 30 and 35 as at the time for | | | | The biggest decline in fertility occurs soon after 35 |
| completing the family instead of 35. | | | | and the change is quite dramatic. For women aged |
| Couples marry later now for many reasons, including | | | | between 20 and 34, the rate of infertility is about |
| careers, finances, travelling and general business. | | | | 10%. This more than doubles to 21% between 35 |
| Unfortunately, although this seems perfectly | | | | and 39 and is more than 30% at 40. The rate |
| reasonable, the decision often has unpleasant | | | | increases dramatically after 40 and the effect of |
| consequences. Both men and women are less fertile | | | | male ageing is very similar. |
| as they get older. The facts are clear and, at least | | | | At the same time as the rate of infertility increases |
| for the moment, there is no simple solution. For | | | | with ageing of both men and women so |
| women, there is a phase that is referred to as | | | | unfortunately does the rate of miscarriages. The |
| 'oopause' which occurs about 8-10 years before | | | | history of most couples who have difficulties |
| menopause. At oopause, eggs have a very low | | | | associated with age is the same. "We have tried for |
| fertility and a high risk of any pregnancy miscarrying. | | | | several months without success and didn't think that |
| The PALS - Pregnancy and lifestyle study was | | | | we could conceive. Month by month, we have been |
| performed between 1989 and 1993. 600 couples who | | | | disappointed. About eight months ago, we were |
| were trying to conceive answered detailed | | | | pleased to discover that 'we' were pregnant. |
| questionnaires, underwent certain laboratory tests, | | | | Excitedly we planned our new life with our new |
| and allowed us to track their progress. We just | | | | family. Then one morning, we were devastated to |
| watched their progress and did not intervene in any | | | | find that we had miscarried". |
| way. This was the first time that a comprehensive | | | | In the PALS study, the rate of miscarriage at ages |
| study of this kind had been carried out and it had | | | | 25-29 was 10%, it rose to18% between 30 and 34 |
| some surprising results. | | | | years old, 23% between 35 and 39 years and then |
| There was a large age-related decline in fertility in | | | | 70% for women, 40 years and older. These values |
| both men and women. At the time, it was very | | | | are not absolute and chronological age of the woman |
| surprising because women were previously blamed | | | | is not necessarily an exact match of her biological |
| for all of the age-related decrease in fertility. But we | | | | age, but this is the normal pattern. In general there is |
| were able to show conclusively that the ageing in | | | | only quite a low chance of a woman who is aged 40 |
| both men and women increased the chances of | | | | or older having a normal conception without any |
| miscarriage and infertility. Both men and women | | | | problems. |
| showed slightly improved fertility when they were | | | | Please visit my web site, to purchase a copy of |
| paired with a younger partner. | | | | "Start your family after 30". This e-book gives all the |
| Everyone has heard remarkable stories about men | | | | facts and figures and the latest advice on how to |
| fathering children when they are very old. Most of | | | | maximise your chances of success. |