Private MD News

Most women have misconceptions about the effects of aging on fertility

Category: Infertitlity Hormone Testing

FSH testing may be a valuable tool in family planning. It can help women understand their fertility levels and know if they can afford to wait longer to try to conceive. However, a group of experts says that many women may not understand the implications of delaying pregnancy too long.

Researchers from Yale University wrote in the journal Fertility and Sterility that many women are now seeking treatments from fertility clinics past the age of 40. Even with advances in artificial fertilization, it may still be impossible for these women to conceive using their own eggs. However, many seem to be unaware of this, the team wrote.

"There is an alarming misconception about fertility among women," said Dr. Pasquale Patrizio, the lead author of the paper. "We are really seeing more and more patients 'upset' after failing in having their own biological child after age 43. Their typical reaction is, 'what do you mean you cannot help me? I am healthy, I exercise and I cannot have my own baby?'"

He recommended that healthcare providers take steps to educate women of reproductive age about the irreversible effects of aging on their fertility. By providing FSH testing early and often, doctors may be able to help women understand where their fertility currently stands and where it will be in the future.