It’s quite common knowledge that the probability of a woman falling pregnant, decreases as she ages. Many doctors are of the opinion that by age 26, the odds start to move against you, as a female. The eggs of a woman become less viable, as she ages, and however frightening this may seem, it is dealt with daily by many fertility specialists around the world, successfully. For many women over 40 years old, donor eggs are used, and sometimes donor sperm, and sometimes donor embryos. The specialists estimate that a woman falling pregnant over the age of 40 could be as little as 2%. But there are other variables that play a part, such as levels of stress, diet, and environment.
In many cases, doctors cannot find a specific reason for a couple not to fall pregnant, and treatment is needed anyway.
A famous IVF Centre in the US reports that more than 45% of patients are older than 41 years old, which means that 55% are in their thirties or younger. In many cases, young girls suffer from POA (premature ovarian ageing), or other problems, most of which are treatable.
Most IVF clinics also employ an internal psychologist in order to assist with the emotional challenges of going through fertility treatment. Often there is pressure on marriages, as both husband and wife feel the pressure. Emotional and financial pressure. IVF costs are not cheap, and are generally not covered by medical aids, as it is not seen as essential medical treatment. In South Africa, there are only a few fertility treatments that offer world class treatment. But those that do, are run by top doctors, most of whom have travelled and been exposed to world best practice. Waiting rooms are full, and the industry only of late, has been recognized, given the size of the problem among couples today.