Even with young donor eggs, women reach the peak of fertility at 49

Older women are less likely to undergo fertility treatments even when using younger donor eggs – with a significant drop from around age 49, new research suggests.

Studying 1,774 women, experts say the findings challenge the idea that donor eggs can completely “reset” the reproductive clock, but they say they shouldn’t put older couples off trying.

Women aged 49 and older were twice as likely to have a miscarriage and less likely to conceive than those aged 35 to 40.

Researchers believe that age-related changes in the uterus may be the cause and may be treatable in the future.

They say it may be possible to find ways to predict, prevent or improve gestational age.

Lead researcher Dr. Beatrice Christani, from He helped the Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Italy, ExternalReproductive aging has been seen as an issue with the ovaries, and if you replace old eggs with younger donors, you “reset” the reproductive clock.

“Our findings suggest the picture is more complicated,” Dr. Crestani said.

In the study, women in their mid to late 30s had a 54% chance of conceiving with donor eggs and IVF treatment; For those age 49 and older, it drops to about 43%.

Live birth rates fell from 46 percent to 32 percent, while miscarriages rose from 24 percent to 38 percent.

The researchers observed age-related changes in the lining of the uterus, or endometrium – where a fertilized egg or embryo implants – in older women.

Although the thickness is the same, the condition decreases with age.

Dr. Crestani added, “These findings should not discourage women from pursuing donor-egg therapy, as success rates continue to be significant regardless of age.”

“However, patients should be advised that donor eggs, especially after age 49, cannot completely avoid reproductive aging.”

In the study, live birth rates were around 80% for women aged 35-40 and 62.5% for those aged 49 and over who transferred all embryos.