Age limit for seeking pregnancy with donated eggs: everything you need to know

Years ago, less access to technology, less frequent difficulties in having children, the different role of women within society and the clear moral guidelines of a predominantly Catholic society meant that questions about the age limit for seeking pregnancy were not so common.

However, today, our society has changed, and with it have the possibilities of reproduction thanks to biomedical technologies, especially for women who face difficulties conceiving naturally.

Egg donation: an option for older mothers

One of the most important advances in assisted reproduction has been the possibility of conceiving through egg donation, a resource that not only offers the opportunity to become a mother to women with reproductive problems, but also extends the chances of pregnancy beyond the natural reproductive age of the woman. Through this treatment, women who no longer have viable eggs due to age or medical conditions can receive Donated eggs and achieve a successful pregnancy.

Egg donation reduces the risks associated with egg quality in older women, making the chances of having a successful pregnancy the same as those of donor women under 30 years of age. However, although this option significantly improves the chances of success, it is important to remember that the risks associated with egg donation are not limited to the risks associated with the use of eggs. pregnant women's health, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension, remain prevalent in older pregnancies.

Is there an age limit for fertility treatments?

From a medical point of view, there is no precise age limit to undergo fertility treatments with donated eggs. However, as a woman ages, so do the medical risks, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and complications during childbirth.

The Spanish Fertility Society recommends not exceeding 50 years of age in assisted reproduction programs due to obstetric and perinatal risks. However, in certain cases and with rigorous medical monitoring, successful treatments have been carried out on women older than this age. Some fertility clinics, such as EasyFIV, have established a limit of 52 years for this type of procedure, as long as the patient's health allows it.

Studies have shown that women who receive young eggs can conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy, regardless of uterine age. This fact has opened the door to a new perspective regarding the limits of reproduction, since the aging of the uterus is not as decisive a factor as that of the eggs themselves.

Medical factors and associated risks

Each person is different, but in general, after the 35 years, female reproduction rates decline dramatically, while after the 50 years, both mother and baby are exposed to more considerable medical risks. The most frequent complications in women of advanced maternal age include:

• Gestational hypertension.
• Gestational diabetes.
• uterine bleeding.
• Spontaneous abortion due to chromosomal abnormalities.
• Multiple pregnancy.
• Premature delivery
• Ectopic pregnancy.

Despite these risks, modern medicine has advanced significantly, and today it is possible to perform a close medical follow-up during pregnancy to minimize them.

Ethical perspectives and recommendations

In addition to medical aspects, ethical considerations are essential. Is it responsible to perform fertility treatment on a patient aged 50 or 55? Medical professionals should not only be guided by scientific advances and the technical success of treatments; the moral implications They cannot be ignored either.

The ethical judgment of the physician is key in these cases, and it is important that each situation be evaluated individually. The dialogue between doctor and patient must be based on mutual respect and trust, so that each decision is made in an informed and responsible manner.

It is crucial that women considering fertility treatment at an advanced age have all the information complete and clear information about the implications for their health, the risks for the baby and the quality of life they will be able to share with their future child. The questions that arise in this context do not have easy answers, and an interdisciplinary dialogue is needed to reach balanced and sustainable decisions.

Recommendations of the Spanish Fertility Society

In Spain, there is no law that prohibits women to undergo assisted reproduction treatments after a certain age. However, certain unwritten rules have been established regarding the maximum recommended age to undergo these procedures, for both medical and ethical reasons.

The Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) recommends that the maximum age for undergoing treatment with donated eggs should not exceed 50 years, although some clinics, depending on the health and particular situation of the patient, may extend this limit to 52 years.

Why is oocyte quality important?

A key factor in assisted reproduction is the quality of the eggs. The natural aging of the eggs increases the chances of complications, but egg donation eliminates this risk, since the donated eggs come from young women with high quality eggs and healthy. This not only improves conception rates, but also minimizes health risks to the baby.

Many doctors recommend egg donation from the age of 43, when the chances of success with one's own eggs are very low, and the risks of genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increase significantly.

Medical follow-up and psychological support

It is essential that women who decide to undergo assisted reproduction treatment after the age of 40 receive adequate medical follow-up, including regular assessments of their health. In addition, psychological supports They are especially important in these cases, as the process can be emotionally draining.

For many women, turning to egg donation can be an emotional challenge. Having the help of an interdisciplinary team, including psychologists, can make difficult decisions easier, such as accepting gamete donation or even considering adoption.

In short, science has expanded the boundaries of motherhood, allowing many women to fulfill their dream of becoming mothers beyond the traditional age. However, it is important to consider not only the medical aspects, but also the ethical and personal implications, carrying out a complete assessment of each case to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the future baby.