Description
Based on the risk estimation, the test results include personalised recommendations for reproductive options, such as:
• the recommendations to enhance natural fertility
• the type of medical examination and tests needed
• the need for egg freezing and fertility preservation
• the options for assisted reproduction (like IVF)
Female fertility is largely determined by reproductive aging, which is strongly dictated by genetics. Hundreds of DNA variants have been identified that affect the female reproductive lifespan – a time-period when natural conception is possible. Although menopause is usually considered the endpoint of female fertility, fertility starts to decrease 10-20 years before actual menopause, causing difficulties with conception and in more extreme cases also age-related infertility.
The average age at menopause is 50-51 years. One woman in twenty experiences early menopause (before the age of 45). One woman in 100 suffers from premature menopause (before the age of 40). Early and premature menopause are also associated with an increased risk for age-related infertility.