EDUCATION
Fertility and Age
The human reproductive system is responsible for producing the cells needed for reproduction (called gametes), enabling fertilisation, and supporting the growth of new life. While everyone’s reproductive systems aim for reproduction, they function differently in terms of structure and how they change over time. This article explores the reproductive processes in people assigned male or female at birth, focusing on how gametes are produced, how hormones regulate these processes, how fertilization and pregnancy happen, and how fertility naturally declines with age.
Article Series
The Male and Female Reproductive Journey: A Comprehensive Timeline
The male and female reproductive systems are intricately designed to ensure the survival of the human species through gamete production, fertilisation, and the subsequent development of new individuals. While both systems share the common goal of reproduction, their processes differ significantly in terms of biological structure, functionality, and timeline.
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Perimenopause and Fertility Treatment
Perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition, is the period leading up to menopause when ovarian function declines, and hormone levels fluctuate. This stage, which can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years, typically begins in a person’s 40s but can start as early as their 30s or even earlier.
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Why is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Different to Menopause?
POI also known as a premature menopause effects women or individuals with ovaries before they reach the age of 40. The term POI was first used in 1942 by Fuller Allbright et al (Allbright, 1942) who first reported that in a small percentage of younger women the stopping of their periods was caused by impaired ovarian function.
Egg Donation Following Early Menopause
Early menopause, also known as Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), affects approximately 1-3% of women under 40 and can significantly impact fertility. Egg donation has become a widely accepted and effective fertility treatment option for individuals experiencing POI, as the loss of ovarian function typically leads to a depletion of viable eggs.
Fertility and Menopause FAQs
Most often asked questions answered by Kate Pleace, RN, MSc, PhD Student.
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