Advanced Maternal Age
Advanced Maternal Age Treatment in Chicago, IL
We Specialize in Fertility at an Advanced Maternal Age
The team at Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago, IL specializes in treating and overcoming fertility issues for all women. Our specialists have decades’ worth of combined experience in the field, and we are happy to help individuals at an advanced maternal age achieve their goals of becoming parents. We have five convenient locations in the Greater Chicago area, each of which features state-of-the-art medical equipment and a compassionate staff eager to assist you. We know many women have concerns about conceiving a child later in life, but we will help you navigate the process and address any infertility issues you may have. Call us today to learn more about advanced maternal age and treatment options available to you.
Understanding Advanced Maternal Age
Advanced maternal age typically describes women aged 35 and older, but it more accurately describes their eggs because they age faster than the rest of the body. When a woman is born, her egg supply has been reduced from upwards of 7 million eggs to as few as 2 million eggs. By the time she begins menstruation, that figure is in the 300,000 to 400,000 range. Each month during a woman’s early menstruation years, 1,000 eggs will develop. Of that bunch, the ovary will only release one. The rest will die. By the time a woman reaches menopause – usually in her early 50s – the egg supply is virtually depleted. One study showed that 50% of women experience a decline in their monthly chance of having a child by age 31. By age 41, 50% of women will be unable to conceive a child that is genetically theirs. Individual statistics will vary, but time is of the essence when attempting to conceive at an advanced maternal age.
Common Infertility Issues as a Result of Advanced Age
As women age, they may develop a range of infertility issues. Our specialists will perform a comprehensive fertility exam using bloodwork and an ultrasound to measure your ovarian reserve. This will give us a clear understanding of your profile and enable us to develop a treatment plan. Common infertility issues caused by advanced maternal age include:
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Older women release fewer eggs from their ovaries, thus reducing the chances of conception. We can check your ovarian function at any of our fertility clinics in Chicago, IL.
Physical Abnormalities
Congenital conditions such as a uterine septum or tubal defects may hinder reproduction. Pelvic infections, endometriosis, and other conditions may also make it difficult to conceive.
Poor Egg Quality
Studies have shown that up to 90% of a woman’s eggs may have abnormalities by the time she turns 40. Ask about our genetic testing services.
Recurrent Miscarriage
Women in their 40s are more vulnerable to recurrent pregnancy loss than younger women.
Treatment Options for Women at an Advanced Maternal Age
Following an infertility evaluation at one of our Chicago-area clinics, Reproductive Medicine Institute’s board-certified physicians will develop a treatment plan that increases your chances of a healthy pregnancy and minimizes risks for your unborn child. The infertility issues revealed by your comprehensive assessment will determine which one of the following options will benefit you:
Egg Donation
This process involves one woman donating an egg to another woman who may not have enough eggs or whose eggs are low-quality. We can fertilize the egg with your partner’s sperm and implant it into your uterus for you to carry to term.
Embryo Donation
Embryo donation addresses issues with egg volume or quality. We will inject hormones that cause you to release multiple eggs for retrieval. We will then fertilize an egg to create an embryo before implanting it into your uterus, where it will develop into a baby.
In Vitro Fertilization
We have extensive experience in Vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. We will start by retrieving viable eggs from you in a minimally invasive process. We then fertilize an egg and monitor its development for about five days. Finally, we will transfer it to your uterus for gestation.
Why You Should Choose Reproductive Medicine Institute
Our mission at Reproductive Medicine Institute is to cater to each patient’s individual needs throughout the fertility journey. For women at an advanced maternal age, this may include innovative treatments using state-of-the-art technology. We promise to deliver compassionate care and emotional support during each step of the process. Our team recognizes how important parenthood and family are to you, so we have created an environment that fosters collaboration, compassion, and knowledge. We even offer financial solutions to ensure you can begin your fertility process right away.
Contact Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago
If you want to grow or start your family at an advanced maternal age, you may need assistance to avoid infertility issues. The specialists at Reproductive Medicine Institute are here to help. We have five convenient locations in the Chicagoland area to serve you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Have more questions? Speak with an RMI team member.
