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Reproductive ageing—turning back the clock?

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Unintended childlessness is a distressing, and often unintended, consequence of delayed childbearing and reproductive ageing. The average maternal age at first birth has risen steadily in many industrialised countries since the 1980s. There are many societal factors involved in the decision to postpone motherhood. As a result, many women are postponing having children until it is too late. In this review, we aim to summarise the reasons behind delayed childbearing, the impact of delayed childbearing and the scientific advances that seek to reverse reproductive ageing and ensure reproductive autonomy for women.

Methods

An extensive literature search of PubMed was conducted to include all published articles on delayed childbearing and the consequences of reproductive ageing. Secondary articles were identified from key paper reference listings.

Conclusion

If the current reproductive trends continue, many women will find themselves in the harrowing position of being unintentionally childless. In addition, many will inevitably turn to assisted reproductive technologies in an effort to protect and preserve their reproductive autonomy. However, it is not always possible to reverse the effects of reproductive ageing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Merrion Fertility Clinic, National Maternity Hospital, 60 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 NH93, Ireland

    Yvonne O’Brien & Mary B. Wingfield

  2. National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Yvonne O’Brien & Mary B. Wingfield

  3. School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland

    Yvonne O’Brien & Mary B. Wingfield

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  1. Yvonne O’Brien
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  2. Mary B. Wingfield
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Correspondence to Yvonne O’Brien.

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O’Brien, Y., Wingfield, M.B. Reproductive ageing—turning back the clock?. Ir J Med Sci 188, 161–167 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-018-1769-2

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