Professional success and financial stability usually reach their peak around the age of 40, a phase in which many women finally feel ready for motherhood. However, there is a silent mismatch between social and biological age: while the mind, disposition and career are in full swing, the ovaries follow a strict schedule. According to Dr. Luiz Pina, a gynecologist specializing in human reproduction and endometriosis at the Baby Center Reproductive Medicine clinic, the ovarian reserve begins an accelerated decline after the age of 35, making natural conception a challenge with each cycle.

Misinformation on social media and its impacts on fertility

According to gynecologist Luiz Pina, something that has been increasing in the office is the misinformation fueled by supposed natural pregnancies at age 50 that gain visibility on social media. For the specialist, this narrative creates a false sense of security and generates frustration in tempting patients.

“In medicine, we know that the probability of a natural pregnancy with your own eggs at the age of 50 is extremely rare, almost zero. People need to be responsible with information and, once the matter is made public, it is important to share the techniques used, such as egg donation or egg freezing”, points out Dr. Luiz Pina.

Science explains that, unlike men, who produce sperm throughout their lives, women are born with a limited supply of sperm. eggs which is lost as she ages. Dr. Luiz Pina reinforces that, at the age of 40, in addition to the reduced quantity, the genetic quality of the eggs also drops, increasing the chances of spontaneous abortions and chromosomal changes.

Ovarian capacity over the years

• 25 years: fertility at its peak;
• 35 years: beginning of a sharp drop in the quantity and quality of eggs;
• 40 years: chances of natural pregnancy drop to around 5% per cycle;
• From the age of 45: Natural pregnancy is considered an exception.

“Unfortunately, we cannot stop this biological clock, but the more we include this topic in young women’s routine, planning the maternity it can happen in a more conscious and safe way, avoiding future frustrations”, explains the Baby Center specialist, emphasizing the importance of women knowing that there are options.

By Bruna Nascimento