Ageing and ART: a waste of time and money?
In many societies, more and more young women are delaying childbearing until the fourth decade of life. It is well known that fertility is remarkably reduced with increasing age of women in both natural conceptions and assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this chapter, the effect of ageing on the pregnancy rate in ART, and the options available to improve the reproductive outcomes in women of advanced age will be presented after understanding the mechanism of reproductive ageing and the effects of ageing on the reproductive outcomes in normal women. It is important to identify the predictive factors associated with a better treatment outcome.
Ng
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. nghye@hkucc.hku.hk
Ho
Pak Chung
PC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted