Maternal Age and IVF

How does maternal age impact fertility?

• As women ages, a decline in both ovarian reserve and oocyte competence has been observed

• Some studies hypothesize that placental dysfunction may mediate adverse pregnancy outcome in advanced maternal age [1]

• There is still a lot to be learned about how advanced maternal age impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes

What is the clinical definition of advanced maternal age and why does it matter?

• Advanced maternal age is defined as women who are >35 years old

• Advanced maternal age has been associated with pregnancy complications like: fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, placental abruption, pre-term birth, stillbirth [2]

Is IVF an option for advanced maternal age?

• Yes, IVF can still be an option for advanced maternal age, it is best to consult a reproductive medicine provider to discuss age specifics

• Although there are currently no remedies available to counteract the aging-effects associated with women’s fertility, there are therapeutic approaches to women older than 35 year undergoing IVF such as:

  • Oocyte cryopreservation to conduct fertility preservation

  • Personalized controlled ovarian stimulation to maximize the exploitation of the ovarian reserve

  • Enhancement of embryo selection via blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and frozen single embryo transfer

  • Oocyte donation in case of minimal/null residual chance of pregnancy [3]

Last Reviewed: September 21, 2023