More confirmation of rapid fertility decline after 30
Only 10% of eggs remains at 30
Discouraging news for women over 30 who want
to have a child comes from the UK. According to a study in the journal PLOS
One, by the time a woman reaches 30, she has used up nearly 90% of her reserves
of eggs. By the time she is 40, only 3% remains. Scientists at the University
of St Andrews and Edinburgh in Scotland tracked the growth of the ovarian
reserve from conception to 50. They found that the number of eggs declines far
more rapidly than most women realise. “Our research shows that they are
generally over-estimating their fertility prospects,” says Dr Hamish Wallace,
one of the authors.
The study also dumps cold water on the intriguing theory that new eggs are
produced in adults when germline stem cells in bone marrow reach the ovaries.
Research on mice suggested that this might happen in humans, but the study is
sceptical: “our model provides no supporting evidence of neo-oogenesis in
normal human physiological ageing”. ~ London Telegraph, Jan 27; PLOS One, Jan 27
Michael Cook
fertility
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
After 49 years, SCOTUS strikes down Roe v Wade, abolishing a constitutional right to abortion
The US Supreme Court has struck down two of the most famous decisions in American history, Roe v. Wade and...
Fallen stem cell hero convicted in Swedish court
Once hailed as a stem cell technology pioneer, Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini has been convicted of causing bodily harm and...
Hollywood actress explains why she chose surrogacy: ‘I was terrified’
Hollywood starlet Jamie Chung, 39, surprised her fans last year when she and her husband announced the birth of twins....
First legal assisted suicide in Italy
Italy’s parliament is still debating the details of legal assisted suicide. However, last Thursday the first Italian to take advantage...
Re-examining autonomy
The buzzword cutting through the noisy controversy over the US Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade is “reproductive autonomy”....
World swimming authority takes conservative stand on gender inclusion
Swimming's world governing body, FINA, has backed a new policy on gender inclusion which will stop most trans women swimmers...