Celebrities are giving the wrong impression about Fertility over 40

Many people believe it is usual and easy to become pregnant in their forties, says Louise Johnson, a spokeswoman for a coalition of health and science groups. They want to get the message across that a woman's fertility starts to decline in her early thirties. A 40-year-old woman has five per cent chance of conceiving in any given month, says Ms Johnson. Media stories about miracle babies born to older celebrities often neglect to mention the use of donor eggs, she says. This has contributed to the misconception that IVF will help couples have a baby at any age. However, for every IVF cycle in Australia in 2011, fewer than seven per cent of women aged 40 to 44 who were using their own eggs had a baby. For women over 45 the success rate was below two per cent. A study by the coalition shows 80 per cent of Australians do not know a woman's fertility declines before the age of 35. The study also shows a large proportion of people think the decline starts at 40 or that age does not affect fertility. There is also a lack of understanding that male fertility also declines with age. People in higher socio-economic circumstances are more likely to have the wrong idea than those in lower socio-economic circumstances, says Ms Johnson. "We want people to know the facts so they can make informed choices." "There is a belief that if you are healthy you fertility will be fine. But sadly health does not trump age." Bringing plans for a family one or two years forward can make all the difference. It's basic biology, she says. But the focus at school is about birth control and avoiding infections. Less attention is paid to fertility. Article: 17th March www.news.ninemsn.com.au

Fertility treatment options for over 40s

Although some women are born with an intrinsic desire to have children, it can take others a little longer to get used to the idea of motherhood. In fact, many women don’t find themselves pining for a child until their late thirties or forties. However no experienced mummy can deny that when the overpowering urge to have a little baby takes hold, it’s difficult to think about anything else. Are you aged 40 plus? From IVF treatment and genetic testing to donor eggs, it’s not too late to have a baby. Discover the various fertility methods on offer and you could be planning that baby shower in a matter of weeks. IVF IVF is a series of procedures which are conducted in what is known as a ‘treatment cycle’. Using hormone therapy to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovary, IVF seeks to collect and fertilise eggs in a test tube to create embryos. The embryos spend up to a week in an incubator before being carefully examined using a high-tech grading system. The strongest embryos are selected to be transferred through the vagina to the uterus where this transfer will hopefully spark a pregnancy. Although success rates do dip with age, women up to the age of 50 have the choice of going ahead with IVF treatment using their own eggs. IVF with Genetic Testing It is a proven fact that the rate of genetic abnormalities and defects in eggs and embryos increases with age and up to 90% of pregnancies will encounter abnormalities over the age of 44. These findings are mostly clearly shown in the growing risk of Down’s syndrome which is observed in older mothers. Genetic testing is a sure fire way to plan for any eventuality. The test offers the most sophisticated techniques of aneuploidy screening and may be particularly useful for older women, or women who have had a previously unsuccessful IVF experience. Genetic testing can be used to: •Identify any chromosome abnormalities •Conduct genetic tests relating to infertility •Screen for over 100 of the most ubiquitous diseases •Improve pregnancy and live birth rates because only the embryos with normal chromosome arrangements will be chosen for transfer •Determine whether or not embryos are abnormal, enabling the patient to make an important decision about transfer and further treatment IVF with Donor Eggs IVF using donor eggs is the most common method of fertility treatment when the patient has none of her own eggs to use. This situation can often be attributed to the ovaries store of follicles running out due to old age. One of the most telling signs of menopause is irregular or non-existent periods at which point donor eggs may need to be considered. From collaborations with overseas clinics to donor eggs from IVF patients with resources to spare, your chosen fertility clinic will be able to provide you with a number of donor egg solutions should you want to pursue this option. Article: 15th February 2014 by The Bridge Centre Author Note: The Bridge Centre are a team of fertility experts based in South East London, specialising in fertility for the over 40s. Offering a wide range of fertility treatments to women under and over the age of 40, contact The Bridge Centre today to kick start your journey to motherhood.

75% of people disagree with IVF for women over childbearing age

Almost three-quarters of people do not think women should receive IVF to help them conceive beyond their natural childbearing years, a poll has found. A quarter believe women should stop trying to bring babies into the world past the age of 40 while 43 should be the cut-off for men. The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK found 31 per cent think the current age limit of 42 for IVF on the NHS is too old. Some 26 per cent said they thought 40 should be the maximum age limit for either NHS or private treatment. Meanwhile, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) said science not should intervene to help women become pregnant beyond their natural childbearing years. The poll was released to mark the TLC documentary Tina Malone: Pregnant At 50, which will air on Tuesday. The Shameless actress travelled to Cyprus for IVF treatment and conceived her daughter, Flame, with donor eggs, giving birth aged 50. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they thought children born to women aged 50 to 55 were negatively affected by having an older mother. This figure rose to 73 per cent of over-50s surveyed. Some 52 per cent said women who are 50 cannot be a good parent for a child through to adulthood. When asked about men aged 50 and over having children, 43 per cent said the same. Malone, now aged 51, had her first child aged 17. She said: 'People might consider me over the hill and too old to be a mum but physically, emotionally, mentally and financially I am much better off now, as a mum at 50, than I was as a mum at 17 when nobody criticised me for having a baby. 'I have more stamina and energy than most 27-year-olds, and all the time to give to my baby. Of course there has to be a cut-off, but if you are fit and healthy and financially secure, then you should be allowed to have a child at 50.' Today's survey also revealed people's main concerns when it comes to older mothers. Some 72 per cent said the main worry for mothers over 40 was their health during pregnancy and birth, while 68 per cent said the impact on young children when their parent dies is also a concern. Meanwhile, 62 per cent said the health of the child owing to having an older mother was an issue. When asked what was the ideal age for women to have their first baby, 27 was the most popular age. Susanna Dinnage, managing director of Discovery Networks UK, said: 'The findings reveal that most people believe 40 should be the cut-off for parenthood. 'However, juxtaposed against this public view, Tina gives a very moving and compelling account of one woman's personal decision to have a child at 50, three decades after she had her first child.' Article: 7th February 2014 www.dailymail.co.uk Read more about IVF and sperm and egg donation at www.prideangel.com

Single, gay or lesbian over 40 and wanting to become a parent?

Rhonda is a producer in the development phase of a documentary project on single midlife (40ish-plus) men and women seeking to become first-time parents, whether it be through IVF, donor eggs and sperm, adoption or surrogacy.

She is seeking a diverse pool of midlife singles willing to share their stories of the heartache, trials, social stigma and joys faced in their journeys toward single parenting by choice.

Rhonda is one of the producers for the project and, herself, a single midlife woman with an ever-present desire to become a mother. She is not certain what means will lead her to parenthood, but remains convinced that motherhood is her calling.

The hope is for the documentary to provide discourse on the topic and draw to light the fact that the desire for a child doesn't rest solely with women or fade if a person finds himself or herself in midlife without a partner.

Rhonda is particularly interested in connecting with lesbian and gay midlife singles along with ethnic minorities seeking parenthood. She is looking for those who would bravely side with her in the telling of this thrilling -- albeit angst-ridden - journey and hopes to hear from you regarding this intensely personal project.

If you feel you may be able to help in any way please contact us or email info@prideangel for further information.

Pride Angel
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