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Delayed childbearing and its impact
Vanessa Vergara1, Juan A García-Velasco1
1IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Madrid, Spain.
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|June 13, 2026
Summary
Delayed childbearing impacts fertility due to reproductive ageing, affecting egg quality and increasing risks. Assisted reproductive technologies offer strategies to mitigate these effects for women undergoing fertility treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and endocrinology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Genetics and genomics
Background:
- Delayed childbearing is a global trend with significant individual consequences.
- Reproductive ageing involves decreased ovarian reserve and oocyte quality, driven by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- These age-related changes contribute to embryonic aneuploidy, impacting natural fertility, IVF success, and miscarriage rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological mechanisms of reproductive ageing and their impact on female fertility.
- To discuss the role of assisted reproductive technologies in addressing age-related fertility decline.
- To highlight the risks associated with advanced maternal age for pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reproductive ageing, oocyte quality, and assisted reproductive technologies.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying oocyte ageing, including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- Examination of assisted reproductive technology strategies and pregnancy outcomes in advanced maternal age.
Main Results:
- Oocyte ageing is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, leading to aneuploidy and reduced fecundity.
- Assisted reproductive technologies like preimplantation genetic testing and oocyte preservation can aid fertility.
- Advanced maternal age increases risks for maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications.
Conclusions:
- Reproductive ageing significantly impacts female fertility through oocyte quality decline and increased aneuploidy.
- Assisted reproductive technologies provide options for managing age-related fertility challenges.
- Awareness and management of risks associated with delayed childbearing are crucial for improved pregnancy outcomes.
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