Reproductive ageing-turning back the clock?

Abstract

Background: Unintended childlessness is a distressing, and often unintended, consequence of delayed childbearing and reproductive ageing. The average maternal age at first birth has risen steadily in many industrialised countries since the 1980s. There are many societal factors involved in the decision to postpone motherhood. As a result, many women are postponing having children until it is too late. In this review, we aim to summarise the reasons behind delayed childbearing, the impact of delayed childbearing and the scientific advances that seek to reverse reproductive ageing and ensure reproductive autonomy for women.

Methods: An extensive literature search of PubMed was conducted to include all published articles on delayed childbearing and the consequences of reproductive ageing. Secondary articles were identified from key paper reference listings.

Conclusion: If the current reproductive trends continue, many women will find themselves in the harrowing position of being unintentionally childless. In addition, many will inevitably turn to assisted reproductive technologies in an effort to protect and preserve their reproductive autonomy. However, it is not always possible to reverse the effects of reproductive ageing.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Fertility; Oocyte vitrification; Ovarian reserve; Reproduction.