Assisted conception in women of advanced maternal age

Abstract A delay in childbearing to later in life has increased the numbers of women of advanced maternal age opting for assisted reproduction. Women should be made aware that there are age-related changes to fertility including a decline in oocyte reserve and quality, in addition to an increase in number of oocyte chromosomal aberrations.. Success rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles decrease with advanced maternal age. There are different fertility options for women of advanced maternal age including fertility preservation (oocyte or embryo freezing), In vitro fertilisation (IVF treatment) with or without preimplantation genetic screening, and oocyte or embryo donation. Detailed counselling needs to be offered to these women with regards to the risks, success rates,ethical and legal implications of these fertility treatment options. Women of advanced maternal age should be screened for underlying medical conditions that could have an impact on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.