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[In assisted reproduction technology there is not systemic age limitation]
Contraception, Fertilite, Sexualite (1992)
|November 12, 1998
Summary
Age limits for assisted reproductive technology (ART) are unfair to women over 40. Women with normal ovarian reserve and good response to stimulation should not be denied ART, despite lower success rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infertility Treatment
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Background:
- Current ART protocols often impose age limits on female patients.
- These age limits are frequently based on declining success rates with advanced maternal age.
- The fairness and clinical necessity of these age-based restrictions are debated.
Observation:
- Women over 40 experience a significant decrease in ART success rates.
- However, individual variations in ovarian reserve and response to stimulation exist.
- Some older women may still possess viable ovarian function.
Findings:
- A woman's ovarian reserve and response to ovarian stimulation are key indicators of ART potential.
- Refusing ART solely based on age, irrespective of ovarian function, may be unjustified.
- Personalized assessment of ovarian reserve is crucial for ART candidacy.
Implications:
- ART eligibility criteria should potentially be revised to include ovarian reserve assessment.
- This could offer more equitable access to fertility treatments for older women.
- Further research is needed to optimize ART protocols for women over 40 with preserved ovarian function.