Al arise This issue gives rise to conflict, often fueled by pressure social that suggests a woman “should” have children. When a woman decides not to become a mother, she is sometimes forced to give reasons, as if apologizing, something that shouldn't happen. There comes a time when a woman imagines herself as a mother, she begins to see pregnant women everywhere, he is moved by the sight of babies or is surprised by looking at clothes or magazines maternity…that impulse is commonly called biological clock. Women assume different roles: being mothers or work, study, become independent and develop professionally; that is why we tend to value the stability (work, emotional or relationship, housing) before deciding to become a mother.
What is the biological clock and how does it relate to fertility?
El biological clock refers to the period of greatest reproductive capacity of women. Fertile life begins with the first menstruation and extends until menopause. Over time, the ovarian reserve (quantity of available eggs) decreases naturally, and so does your quality.
From a certain age onwards, a progressive decrease in the probability of natural pregnancy; this does not mean that it is impossible to achieve, but it may require more time or medical support. This decline is influenced by the quantity and quality of the eggs, which determine the fertilization rate and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Risks and considerations of motherhood at older ages
Delaying motherhood can lead to both benefits (greater personal, emotional and economic stability) as some risks which depend on age and overall health status. These include:
- gestational hypertension, diabetes pregnancy or alterations of the thyroid.
- Higher probability of multiple pregnancy due to changes in ovulation.
- Added difficulty in conceiving due to decreased ovarian reserve.
- Risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Increase of genetic alterations and spontaneous abortions.
A control gynecological appropriate, Healthy Habits and the individual assessment of risks help maximize pregnancy safety. The vast majority of babies are born healthy.
Today, the middle Ages when many women consider having children is between the middle of the 20 and early 1980s 30From the late thirties and some risks associated with age maternal increase, although it is worth remembering that most babies are born well.
Preserving fertility: egg vitrification
If it is not yet time to be a mother, there is the option of preserve fertility through egg vitrificationThis technique freezes oocytes in their current state for future use if pregnancy is not achieved naturally.
- Controlled ovarian stimulation and ultrasound monitoring.
- Puncture to obtain the oocytes.
- Embryo and storage in liquid nitrogen.
- Later use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) when the woman decides.
Preserving eggs allows for better decision-making freedom the time of motherhood and can reduce the need for egg donation in the future.
Treatments in advanced reproductive age: natural cycle and gentle stimulation
Remember that in addition to the conventional IVF, there are protocols with gentle stimulation (as miniIVF) that use lower hormonal doses, often with clomiphene citrate orally, searching among 3 and 5 oocytes of good quality. They can offer lower load of medication, fewer injections and a lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, maintaining competitive success rates in selected profiles.
Is there a male biological clock?
In men there is no closed “reserve” of gametes, but with age the reserve may decrease. male reproductive health (motility, morphology) and increase some risks reproductive. Although the drop is not as marked as in women, it is worth assessing the reproductive health male when fatherhood is delayed.
Culture, desire and freedom of choice
The so-called biological clock also has a dimension social: It can be experienced as an impulse, as pressure, or not at all. Motherhood is a experience extraordinary emotional, physical and relational capacity, and also supports the continuity human; but it should not be a final destination obligated. Informing, planning and deciding autonomously allows you to align your life project and desire to mother.
We must not forget that the ability to have children is wonderful and that, at the same time, the maternity should be an option spirit. Have gynecological advice, know the ovarian reserve (AMH and antral follicular count), take care of health and value tools such as vitrification and miniIVF helps to make calm and well-informed decisions.
