Best childbearing age. All about fertility: what is it, factors, preservation, drugs Childbearing age in a woman

The body of a woman in a certain period of her life is ready to conceive and bear a child. The interval is calculated in decades and is called the fertile age, reproductive or childbearing.

On average, a woman can give birth to viable offspring at the age of 16-45 years. However, there are exceptions when girls of much younger age and middle-aged ladies become pregnant and successfully bear children.

In this case, it all depends on genetics, lifestyle and other factors that affect fertility and the ability to procreate.

What is reproductive age

From a medical point of view, a woman's fertile age is the length of time during which she is capable of childbearing. In this case, not only the possibility of fertilization of the egg is taken into account, but also the ability of the organism itself to bear a healthy child. Often in early or late pregnancy there is a threat of premature birth, psychological problems, fetal abnormalities, etc.

With age, the number of eggs decreases, ovulation occurs much less frequently, and the amount of estrogen in the blood decreases. As a result, the chances of fertilization and the birth of healthy offspring are reduced. Even with the onset of pregnancy, the likelihood of having a full-fledged child is significantly reduced. With age, the risk of genetic abnormalities increases, including Down syndrome, neural tube defect, and others. Babies with more severe pathologies are also born.

Reproductive age is conditionally divided into:

Early period. It is named so due to the young age of the girls. The cycle begins with the first menstruation and ends at about 20 years of age. This is the period when the egg is ready for fertilization. The body undergoes transformations aimed at ensuring the normal bearing of pregnancy. At the same time, ovulation may be unstable, but there are chances of having children.
Middle period. The phase begins around age 20 and ends around age 35. During this period, the menstrual cycle is stable. The body fully produces the hormones necessary for the conception and bearing of a full-fledged child. This is the ideal time and the most suitable period.
late reproductive age. According to various sources, it starts at the age of 35 or 40 and lasts until 45. In adulthood, women experience changes in hormonal levels. Thus, the body prepares for the onset of menopause. At the same time, the menstrual cycle can remain stable. Ovulation occurs regularly. However, much less frequently than in the early or middle reproductive period. For the bearing and birth of a healthy child, constant monitoring by medical personnel and screening studies are necessary. In addition, in some cases, maintenance hormonal therapy is indicated.
Decay period. The phase begins around age 45 and ends around age 60. So named because at this age, ovulation is more of a rarity than a rule. They happen infrequently. The menstrual cycle becomes unstable, menstruation is scanty, the hormonal background changes. During this period, there is a low probability of conception, but children are still born. Bearing is carried out using supportive drugs.

In rare cases, the age limits of different periods can be shifted in one direction or another. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

The best age to have children

The best childbearing age for a woman, according to experts, is from 20 to 37 years. After 40 years, it is more difficult for the body to cope with the loads resulting from pregnancy and gestation. The risk of miscarriages, premature births, placental abruption, etc. increases.

According to statistics, the average age of women in labor is 22-35 years. However, a few decades ago, even 30-year-old ladies were considered old-bearing. Doctors were wary of such pregnant women. In most cases, too adult age was an indication for a caesarean section.

Now there is a tendency to increase the number of mature pregnant women. Today, as a rule, even a 40-year-old woman in a maternity hospital surprises few people. However, this age is not considered optimal.

This is due to various factors. Most modern ladies take care of their health. As a result, the abdominal muscles remain elastic, there are no problems with the pelvic bones and other organs, and there are no serious pathologies.

The consequences of late childbirth for women and children

The reproductive age of a woman makes it possible to enjoy pregnancy both at a very young age and already at a fairly mature age. Often, it is after 40 years that many manage to get pregnant for the first time, despite the fact that they have been diagnosed with infertility for many years. There is no scientific explanation for this fact.

Doctors are not very supportive of the bearing of the fetus by primiparas at this age and by the pregnant women themselves. However, many young ladies do not dare to terminate the pregnancy, despite the high probability of a not very favorable development of events.

So, the consequences of late pregnancy and childbirth include:

miscarriage and premature birth;
genetic abnormalities in the fetus;
diabetes mellitus in a woman in labor;
placental abruption;
violation of blood circulation and nutrition of the fetus;
fetal developmental delay;
fetal death;
exacerbation of chronic diseases in a nulliparous woman;
aggravated childbirth, decreased labor activity.

Due to the high risk of complications, a future woman in labor is recommended to undergo a full comprehensive examination and be observed by a gynecologist.

It is worth noting that late pregnancy has its obvious advantages. Menopause occurs much later, life expectancy increases, the condition of nails, hair, skin improves, the risk of developing oncology decreases, etc. Older mothers look much younger than their peers. Many give birth during this period of a second baby.

Statistics: the average age of women in labor in Russia

Nowadays, the concept of at what age a woman is considered old-bearing has lost its former boundaries. To date, there is no clear framework for the best phase. The average age of women in labor in Europe and other developed countries of the world is 25-37 years. In Russia, these figures are in the range of 25-29 years.

Most women of this age become mothers for the first time. For them, this is the perfect time.

Can a woman get pregnant after 30, 40, 50 and 60 years?

Despite the fact that the ideal age for childbirth is up to 30 years, as mentioned earlier, a woman can become pregnant and carry a baby much later.

In the interval between 30 and 40 years, the chances of conception are slightly less than in the early or middle period.

After forty, the probability decreases every year. When pregnancy occurs, it is worth discussing the danger with the doctor and listening to his opinion, as well as common sense, up to what age you can give birth, and after which the risk is unjustified.

Even after the age of 60, there is a chance of having healthy children. However, it is important to understand that in addition to life itself, the child still needs to be given love, care, education, etc. With late motherhood, the chances of this are significantly reduced. It is necessary to be aware of how many years a child needs healthy, full-fledged parents.

How to increase reproductive function

When discussing the problem of at what age it is better to give birth, it is worth paying special attention to the issue of increasing reproductive function.

For this, special attention should be paid to the following factors:

Bad habits. To prolong the period of successful conception and the birth of a healthy child, you should stop drinking alcohol and smoking traditional cigarettes. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which means that blood circulation and oxygen supply to the ovaries, uterus, and all other organs and systems are disturbed. The effect of alcohol on the body is similar. In this case, it does not matter how much a person drinks and smokes. The result is the same - reduced fertility.
Passive lifestyle. This is the second most common factor. Lack of physical activity leads to impaired blood circulation in the pelvis. As a result, the chances of conception and gestation are significantly reduced.
Wrong nutrition. The reproductive organs need vitamins, minerals and other substances. Proper, balanced nutrition helps to improve and increase the likelihood of bearing and conception.
Stress and lack of sleep. Excitation of the nervous system has a negative effect on the body as a whole. It is necessary to avoid stressful situations and take care of a good sleep.
Diseases. It is important to take care of your health. Particular attention should be paid to the reproductive organs.
Excess weight. With it, it is quite difficult for even young girls to get pregnant and bear a child, no matter how old they are. To improve your chances, you should first lose weight.

To prolong fertility, a comprehensive approach should be taken to the issue.

Can a woman get pregnant by an older man

Also, when planning a pregnancy, it is important to take into account the reproductive age of a man. According to statistics, from the age of 14-15, a young man is capable of procreation. The period of 18-25 years is the most favorable for conception.

With age, the level of the male hormone - testosterone in the blood decreases, at the same time, sexual desire fades away. However, this does not mean at all that an elderly man completely loses the ability to conceive. They also get pregnant from it.

Even at the age of 70, some representatives of the stronger sex are able to produce full-fledged offspring. There are many such examples. Someone resorts to the services of reproductive medicine, others conceive on their own, but the fact remains that it is quite possible and realistic to get pregnant and give birth to children from an elderly man. It is not dangerous, and therefore has no contraindications.

How many women of reproductive age in Russia

Speaking about the age until which a woman can give birth, it is worth referring to official statistics. Today in Russia the number of women of childbearing age is about 40 million. 6 million, according to the official register, are considered infertile and, for one reason or another, are not capable of conception, as well as childbearing.

This is a fairly high figure, especially considering that the best age for childbirth is taken into account. In Europe, the total number of infertile women is 5%. In Russia, this figure exceeds 15%, which is several times higher.

Legislation and register of women of reproductive age

When discussing the topic of at what age a lady is considered old-bearing in Russia, attention should be paid to legislation. According to him, middle-aged women are required to undergo screening studies to identify genetic abnormalities in the fetus. The presence of chromosomal abnormalities is an indication for abortion.

If the defect can be eliminated by medical means, the medical staff does not have the right to insist on an abortion. In case of violation of the law, it is better for a citizen of the state to write a complaint to law enforcement agencies.

The registry of women of reproductive age includes a category of women with diseases that complicate the process of bearing and threaten the life of the mother and baby. In this case, conception and pregnancy are dangerous. The state provides such girls with contraceptives free of charge and enters them into a separate register.

You can learn more about fertility, optimal childbearing age, at what age does menopause begin and other things from the video:

It is customary to name a certain period of a woman's life when she is able to conceive and give birth to a child. This period is approximately the same for everyone, but may differ somewhat due to physiological characteristics. When does childbearing age begin and end in women?

A woman receives the ability to have children at a very young age, with the advent of menstruation. This should not come as a surprise, since it is preceded by It begins at about 10-11 years old and is characterized by an increase in the mammary glands, the appearance of hair under the arms, on the pubis. If parents notice such changes in their daughter, they need to talk to the child and explain what is happening. The right one will avoid many problems in the future.

We can say that from this moment puberty is completed, and the childbearing age in women has come. But there is no need to rush to have children. Physically, a girl at such a young age can become pregnant and even give birth to a baby. But this will have an extremely negative impact on her health.

The body is not yet ready for such shocks, and the risk of serious complications (miscarriage, severe toxicosis, difficult childbirth) is very high.

Childbearing age of women

Doctors do not recommend giving birth to girls under 18-19 years old. But it's still better to wait a few more years. It is at this age that the body of a woman best tolerates pregnancy and childbirth. Childbearing age in women lasts about 25-30 years. This period can be significantly reduced due to various chronic diseases.

It is very important from childhood to teach a girl to take care of herself, visit a gynecologist regularly and observe personal hygiene. A child should be taught that any, even the mildest disease, can affect reproductive function. In this regard, you should not start diseases, but always treat them on time. An adult woman should see a doctor at least twice a year, even if there is no cause for concern. Some diseases occur in a latent form, so it is impossible to recognize them on your own. The optimal age for childbirth varies from 20 to 35 years, depending on the physical condition of the woman.

When does it all end?

The so-called menopause occurs after 45 years. The childbearing age in women can last longer, or maybe it will end there. Everything happens gradually. The hormonal background changes, the process of ovulation is disrupted, menstruation stops, the eggs stop maturing. This whole process takes more than one year. During this time, a woman can still become pregnant and bear a child. However, there is a high probability of having a baby with various genetic abnormalities. In this regard, doctors recommend not to postpone pregnancy at such a late date.

Childbearing age in women depends on their physiological characteristics. It can come very early and end in sufficient time. This should be taken into account by couples, and therefore, after reaching them, you should not stop using protection.

reproductive age determines a woman's ability to conceive and give birth to a child.

There are women who are able to conceive at 45, and there are those who have exhausted their supply of eggs by the age of 35. This reserve is called the ovarian reserve.

The genetic material that gives the female body for the reproduction of offspring is the egg. Each egg is located inside a vesicle - a follicle.

Ovarian reserve (ovarian reserve, follicular reserve) - the totality of all the follicles (eggs) of a woman, or you can also say the potential of the ovaries to produce eggs now and in the future.

The ovarian reserve is laid in every woman even before birth, and the size of the reserve is genetically predetermined. It is given once and for life. It cannot be increased. It dwindles year after year. When the number of follicles reaches a critical point, menopause occurs. This is a natural process.

Many women believe that the ability to have a baby ends with the onset of menopause (the end of menstruation). This is wrong.

The reproductive function does not turn off "suddenly", but fades away gradually. The inability to conceive occurs much earlier than menopause - even before the eggs are completely "ended".

Reproductive age is considered to be up to 49 years. But, taking into account the current circumstances of life (stress, poor ecology, abortions, pelvic inflammatory processes, etc.), you should not confidently focus on this figure. Reproductive aging is facilitated by ovarian surgery, various diseases, and heredity. Therefore, there is no universal answer - everything is individual.

"Passport" age is the main reason for the decline in reproductive function. Reduction of eggs begins at birth, but after 35 years this process accelerates several times.

One of the factors of a pathological (premature) decrease in the ovarian reserve is operations on the internal reproductive organs of a woman (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus). To date, a lot of information has been accumulated about the negative impact of operations in the small pelvis on the ovarian reserve. Any intervention on these organs (as well as on any other) must be balanced and justified.

Ovarian reserve assessment includes:
- Collection of anamnesis. When talking with the patient, the doctor pays attention to the age of the patient, the change in the nature of menstruation (they have become more scarce, the interval between periods has decreased).
- ultrasound. With an ultrasound examination, the doctor counts the number of follicles.
- Lab tests. Of the laboratory signs, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) are most often used. It is on the numbers of FSH and AMH that most doctors dealing with reproduction problems are guided.

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and its amount directly depends on the woman's ovarian reserve.
AMH (Antimüllerian Hormone) is a hormone that is produced jointly by all the follicles that a woman has at the moment. In young healthy women - it is high. AMH decreases with age and in young women when the ovarian reserve is depleted.

For a correct assessment of ovarian reserve, it is impossible to focus on any one indicator. It is necessary to analyze all the data and compare them in order to answer the questions: Can I become a mother? How much time do I have? Time is especially precious for those women who are at risk.

You should evaluate your ovarian reserve if:
- You are over 35 years old and planning to conceive;
- You have undergone surgery on the internal reproductive organs, trauma, inflammation;
- you have malformations of the internal genital organs;
- you have changed the nature of menstruation for no particular reason;
- you are going to be treated for malignant diseases (chemo- or radiation therapy);
- Your mother, sister, aunt or grandmother had an early menopause.

Smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use are the causes of many adverse events and problems, including early reproductive aging.

Currently, reproductive technologies make it possible to have offspring at any age, with a serious illness, and even after death.

This is possible thanks to the freezing of female eggs and male sperm and storing the biomaterial in a cryobank without loss of quality using innovative technologies.

Fertile age begins at about 15 years of age.

It is believed that in men it ends after 60 years, but there are many cases of children born in 70-80 year old men. The female half of the population is different. A woman is ready to conceive with the onset of menarche (first menstruation), but a woman's fertility ends with the onset of menopause, when the functions of the gonads (ovaries) fade away, and the stock of oocytes available from birth is completely exhausted. Therefore, even theoretically, with the onset of menopause, a woman is not able to continue her race.

Male Fertility Factors	Factors of female fertility
Age (as we age, the production of testosterone, which is responsible for the quality of sperm, decreases)	Age (as we age, the number of cycles with ovulation decreases)
Excess weight (causes hormonal imbalance)	Being overweight or underweight (leads to hormonal imbalance)
Stress (when stress stops the synthesis of GnRH, which directly regulates spermatogenesis)	Stress (causes hormonal imbalance)
Genital injuries	early menopause
Diseases of the genital organs of various nature, including inflammatory (for example, varicocele, prostatitis, etc.)	Diseases that provoke hormonal imbalances (polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperfunction and hypofunction of the thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus)
Severe chronic diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, etc.)	Violations of the patency of the fallopian tubes
Prolonged course of the inflammatory process in the body (high body temperature disrupts spermatogenesis)	Adhesive process in the pelvis
Overheating of the testicles with frequent visits to the bath, sauna, solarium, etc.	Synechia (connective tissue adhesions) inside the uterine cavity
Squeezing the testicles with tight and uncomfortable underwear	Numerous intrauterine interventions (abortions, etc.)
Not drinking enough (lack of fluid in the body makes sperm inactive)	Gynecological non-inflammatory diseases (uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polyps and endometrial hyperplasia, etc.)
Poor environmental situation in the region of residence	Inflammatory diseases of the genital organs
Occupational hazards	Bad habits
Bad habits	Immunological disorders, as a result of which spermatozoa are destroyed by the body of a woman
Poor nutrition with a deficiency of vitamins and minerals
Non-compliance with the regime of work and rest
The use of certain medications
Features of modern life (the constant wearing of a mobile phone on the belt in the immediate vicinity of the testicles, the use of fast food, carbonated drinks, etc.)

male fertility

Theoretically, men are able to continue the race until old age, since men of any age have motile sperm. Simply, starting from about 40-45 years old, the amount of testosterone and motile sperm in the male body is constantly decreasing.

The ability of men to reproduce offspring depends on the quality of his seminal fluid and the number of motile sperm. To determine the characteristics of sperm, a spermogram is performed - a highly accurate laboratory test that allows you to judge the fertility of each man.

For spermogram, you need to collect seminal fluid in a special disposable container. Almost all clinics have a specially designated room where a man can take an analysis. The recommended method for collecting material is masturbation. It is strongly not recommended to examine semen obtained after intercourse. The genital tract of a woman is not sterile, the likelihood of microorganisms entering the urethra of a man is very high. The results of such an analysis will be unreliable.

Why is it so necessary to collect seminal fluid directly in the laboratory?

The fact is that the analysis must be carried out no later than an hour from the moment the material was taken, and the sperm must be transported only at a certain temperature. Violation of the temperature regime and too long an interval between the collection of sperm and the study significantly reduce the reliability of the information received. In such cases, the fertility of a man will be assessed incorrectly.

You should properly prepare for the spermogram. To do this, three to four days before the examination, you can not visit the sauna, take a hot bath, drink alcohol. If a man takes any medication, you need to inform the doctor. They may have to be temporarily cancelled.

During the analysis, the following indicators of seminal fluid are evaluated:

volume. For successful fertilization, 3-4 ml is enough. An insufficient amount of seminal fluid indicates that a man's fertility is reduced;
color - normally white, sometimes with a gray tint. When layering the infectious process, the sperm may acquire a yellow or green tint. Red or brown color indicates bleeding, possible ulceration of the vas deferens, tumors;
smell - specific, changes with infectious diseases;
viscosity - should be within normal limits. Too thick seminal fluid dramatically reduces sperm motility;
acidity - an acidic environment causes the death of sperm;
the number of male germ cells in 1 ml of ejaculate, as well as their total number;
sperm motility - only those that move in a straight line can fertilize an egg;
the quality of germ cells;
the state of the genetic material;
sperm morphology. Values greater than 50% with a conventional examination and 13% with a Kruger morphology are considered normal (in the Kruger morphology, more stringent diagnostic criteria are used);
the presence of erythrocytes and leukocytes. The normal number of leukocytes is -1 million in 1 ml of seminal fluid. exceeding the indicator indicates an inflammatory process. Erythrocytes in healthy men should be absent.

Based on the results of a specific technique, fertility can be established:

normal;
increased;
reduced.

The main factors that affect fertility in men are:

age - the older the man, the less testosterone is synthesized in his body. In addition, the sensitivity of receptors interacting with this biologically active substance decreases. As a result, the production of male germ cells in the testicles is deteriorating;
excess weight - adipose tissue is a source of estrogen. These are female sex hormones that negatively affect erection and fertility;
excessive and frequent psycho-emotional stress;
traumatic injuries of external and internal genital organs;
inflammatory diseases, including those caused by pathogenic microorganisms, sexually transmitted;
somatic diseases - high blood pressure, disruption of the endocrine glands, diabetes mellitus;
chronic overheating of the testicles - full-fledged spermatozoa are produced only under a certain temperature regime;
taking certain medications.

A bad spermogram of a man does not indicate that he will not be able to conceive a child. You can have a child with any sperm count, just the chances are reduced with a low-quality analysis.

But even good results do not guarantee a quick conception. Not everything in the matter of conception depends on the man, much depends on the woman, the phase of the menstrual cycle in which attempts were made to conceive, the interaction and compatibility of the couple.

female fertility

For women, fertility is a slightly more complex set of circumstances and concepts.

The main ones are:

normal monthly cycle;
regular ovulation;
the possibility of fertilization of the egg;
the ability to bear and give birth to a child.

As in the case of a man, a woman's fertility depends on many factors, the main ones being:

age - the older the patient, the fewer eggs can mature in her ovaries. A regular cycle after 40 years is not always accompanied by ovulation, and a mature egg is not always complete;
transferred inflammatory diseases of the external, internal genital organs, menstrual irregularities. Of particular danger are chronic processes, without severe clinical symptoms. Very often they lead to the development of adhesions, impaired patency of the fallopian tubes. Chronic endometritis is the main cause of miscarriage;
excess weight, provoking hormonal imbalance or as a manifestation of pathology from the endocrine system.

Although it is believed that fertility occurs with the first menstruation, the female body is ready to successfully cope with pregnancy and childbirth by the age of 15-16. After all, menarche occurs from the age of 11 and from the age of 12, but the active reproductive age begins at the age of 15.

By about the age of 50, a woman's ability to reproduce offspring decreases or completely dries up. Even with regular menstruation at this age, fertilization of the egg may not occur, therefore, pregnancy will not occur.

To assess fertility in women, the following laboratory and instrumental tests are used:

examination by a gynecologist;
laboratory examination of vaginal discharge, smears from the cervical and urethra;
confirmation of the fact of ovulation;
hysterosalpingography;
study of the hormonal background;
determination of ovarian reserve.

During the examination, the doctor receives a preliminary idea about the state of health of the woman. Bimanual examination allows you to assess the size and position of the uterus, the condition of the cervix, fallopian tubes and appendages. Studies on the microflora are used to detect pathogenic microorganisms that have caused the inflammatory process.

To confirm the presence of an ovulatory menstrual cycle and the fact of ovulation, functional tests are used (measurement of basal temperature, assessment of cervical mucus, accurate fixation of the dates of menstruation), ultrasound, hormonal tests.

Ultrasound examination is used as the primary method of instrumental diagnostics. This is a safe and highly informative technique that allows you to identify signs of inflammation, adhesions, tumors, and other diseases. In addition, using the technique, you can see the maturing follicles and suggest the exact date of ovulation.

Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray examination method designed to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes. To improve visualization, a contrast agent is injected into the uterine cavity. Normally, it penetrates the fallopian tubes, which is clearly visible on the x-ray.
Hysteroscopy is an endoscopic examination method, during which the gynecologist assesses the condition of the inner lining of the uterus. Manipulation can be diagnostic and therapeutic. Therapeutic hysteroscopy is performed if necessary to remove a polyp or a small tumor. In addition, during the examination, small pieces of tissue can be taken for the purpose of pathomorphological examination.
Determining the concentration of hormones in the blood allows the doctor to draw conclusions about the work of the endocrine glands, and, if necessary, prescribe the necessary treatment. It is carried out on certain days of the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian reserve - the number of eggs that are potentially capable of maturation and conception. This is an individual indicator, which is determined using a series of hormonal tests and ultrasound. It shows the effectiveness of the menstrual cycle, since with a low ovarian reserve and the absence of ovulation, pregnancy is impossible.

Thanks to the possibility of preserving one's own reproductive biomaterial with the help of assistive technologies and using it in IVF, modern medicine has significantly extended the female fertile age.

Reproductive female age

The reproductive female age is divided into several periods:

the duration of the early period - from menarche to 20 years of age;
the duration of the average period is 20-40 years, this is the most optimal age for bearing and giving birth to children. After the age of 35, the fertility function in women begins to decline;
the duration of the late period is 40-49 years, at a later age the chances of pregnancy decrease.

It is known that women give birth both at the age of 50 and later, but the risk of complicated pregnancy and problematic childbirth increases every year.

Fertility Preservation Opportunities

There are several simple but important points that will allow you to maintain reproductive function longer.

They are:

regular intimacy without contraception with a regular partner, preferably at least twice a week;
avoidance of stress;
do not starve and do not strictly limit yourself in food;
eat rationally, balanced, if possible, do not eat "fast" food;
hot baths, baths, saunas, wearing tight synthetic underwear negatively affect the formation of healthy sperm;
drink enough water;
not to be physically overloaded;
to exclude smoking, alcohol, medicines;
strengthen immunity.

Through these simple steps, you can significantly increase the ability to procreate. If, following all the rules, it is not possible to conceive a child, it is worth consulting with the specialists of the AltraVita clinic. Experienced doctors will be able to figure out what caused the decline in fertility.

Fertility drugs

Currently, specialized vitamin-mineral complexes or biologically active supplements have been developed and are available on the market that have the property of increasing fertility. These drugs can be used simultaneously with the treatment of underlying diseases and the implementation of the described rules, which will maximize the fertility of a man or woman.

Everything has its time. For the birth of children in our lives, a special, not so long period of time has been allocated. The reproductive age of a woman is a special period when she is able to conceive, bear and give birth to healthy children. In each country, the boundaries of this age are set differently, and in each individual case they fluctuate and depend on many factors.

Reproductive ability is directly related to the menstrual cycle. Since the fertile age of a woman is the period when she is able to conceive and carry a child, it is limited to the first and last maturation of the egg. On average, this period lasts from 14-15 years to 44-50 years. However, the timing is influenced by many factors - from heredity to conditions and lifestyle.

Fertile age begins with the maturation of the first egg in the girl's body. Today, the timing of this process has shifted, and often puberty occurs by the age of 11-12. And although in fact a girl at this age is able to conceive a child, it will not be easy for her growing body to bear it.

The end of reproductive age coincides with the cessation of the menstrual cycle. As soon as the last egg in a woman’s body matures and leaves, she loses the ability to conceive a child, which means that her reproductive age passes. This is due to the fact that, unlike the male body, which constantly produces new spermatozoa, the female body receives the entire supply of eggs during fetal development, and then gradually consumes it without creating new ones.

But in men, the reproductive age is much longer - it starts at 13-14, and ends by 60-70 years. Although doctors do not advise becoming fathers so late: the quality of the male seed decreases over the years.

In general, the age at which women give birth to children is steadily growing all over the world, including in Russia.

How to increase your childbearing age

The female hormonal system responsible for the functioning of the genital organs is very sensitive to the slightest external influence. Therefore, a woman's childbearing age - its duration, start and end dates - is influenced by a lot of factors:

the presence or absence of stress, overwork;
passive lifestyle;
healthy or unhealthy diet, nutritional adequacy;
sports;
the presence or absence of excess weight;
bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs);
chronic diseases, the presence of gynecological diseases, surgery on the abdominal cavity;
hormonal disruptions;
heredity;
region of residence;
race and nationality.

It has long been observed that the inhabitants of the southern countries enter the fertile age earlier, but also leave it earlier than their northern sisters. In many Asian countries, marriage at 16 is considered normal. At the same time, a 45-year-old woman there looks much older than her European peer. They also give birth earlier.

In the United States, it is considered normal to give birth to the first child not at 20-25, as in Russia, but at 30-40 years old. At the same time, thanks to hormone replacement therapy, the manifestations of menopause are pushed back to the age of 55+.

And if the factor of heredity and nationality cannot be influenced, then it is quite possible to exclude all habits harmful to health in order to prolong and, it is quite possible. After all, they significantly affect the age at which a woman can become pregnant. By eliminating bad habits, improving nutrition and starting to play sports, you can prolong the youth of the body and its ability to conceive.

When can you give birth

In medical practice, it is customary to divide the reproductive age into two periods:

early - from the first menstruation to 35 years;
late - from 35 years to menopause.

early reproductive period

The early period can also be conditionally divided into two segments - from the first menstruation to 19-20 years and from 20 to 35 years. Despite the fact that physiologically the body is ready for conception at the age of 12-15 (after the first menstruation), it will be very difficult for a young mother to endure and give birth to a healthy baby. Her body itself is still growing and developing, many systems are not ready for the stress that pregnancy causes. First of all, it is dangerous for the mother herself, as it is often accompanied by complications:

rapid childbirth;
weak contractions;
breaks and bleeding;
discrepancy between the size of the fetal head and the birth canal of the mother;
premature birth.

In addition, there is no need to talk about the psychological readiness of a young girl for such a responsibility as motherhood, when she herself is still just a child.

Therefore, most doctors agree that the best age for the birth of the first child is the period from 19-20 to 35 years. At this time, the woman's body is fully formed and ready for stress:

the hormonal system works optimally and without disturbances;
the muscles of the uterus and small pelvis are elastic and easily stretched;
bone joints are mobile;
chronic diseases have not yet accumulated;

Pregnancy at this age is usually desired and planned. Future parents have already formed as individuals, have reached a certain standard of living and are ready for the birth of a baby. At this age, it is much easier for a woman to recover from childbirth, it is easier to establish breastfeeding.

late reproductive period

After 35 years, the late reproductive age begins. At this time, the woman's body begins to prepare for the onset of menopause - more often ovulation does not occur in cycles, hormonal disruptions are possible. Very often, the susceptibility of the uterus decreases, due to which the fertilized egg cannot gain a foothold in it. not easy. Chronic diseases, which most mature women have, interfere with conception.

Late pregnancy can also be accompanied by a number of complications that are dangerous for both the baby and the mother:

hypoxia;
spontaneous abortion (miscarriage);
premature or late birth;
uterine bleeding;
premature rupture of amniotic fluid or placental abruption;
abnormalities in the development of the fetus;
weak labor activity.

However, late pregnancy has its advantages - after it, the risk of genital cancer decreases and even life expectancy increases. Psychologists are sure that there are even more advantages - at this time, a woman has already reached certain heights in her career, built a family, and gained life experience. In addition, in their opinion, it is at this age that the maternal instinct fully wakes up.