In recent years, the age of motherhood has increasingly been delayed in Spain due to both cultural and socioeconomic factors, posing significant challenges for medicine and science.
More and more women are choosing to postpone motherhood, even beyond 40, due to the pursuit of greater job stability, the lack of a stable partner, and increased social and economic pressure. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the average age of Spanish women to become mothers is currently 32.6 years. This figure contrasts sharply with statistics from previous decades and reflects the importance placed on other aspects of personal and professional life.
How does age influence female fertility?
In recent years, the age of motherhood has increasingly been delayed in Spain due to both cultural and socioeconomic factors, posing significant challenges for medicine and science.
More and more women are choosing to postpone motherhood, even beyond 40, due to the pursuit of greater job stability, the lack of a stable partner, and increased social and economic pressure. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the average age of Spanish women to become mothers is currently 32.6 years. This figure contrasts sharply with statistics from previous decades and reflects the importance placed on other aspects of personal and professional life.
Advances in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproduction
One of the main challenges faced by women who delay motherhood is the decline in fertility. With age, the quality and quantity of eggs significantly decrease, especially after 35, which directly affects the chances of natural conception. At 30, a woman has half the chance of becoming a mother compared to when she was 20. Moreover, after 35, there is an increase in complications during pregnancy and a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities. However, not only does ovarian reserve decrease, but the quality of eggs also deteriorates, making it less likely for an egg to be fertilized and increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities that can cause miscarriages or genetic problems.
A. Artificial Insemination
Today, reproductive medicine in Spain offers a wide range of solutions for couples facing fertility issues. Assisted reproduction techniques stand out for their high success rates, especially in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In fact, in 2022, Spain surpassed 40,000 births through these techniques, highlighting its role as a leader in the reproductive medicine sector.
B. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization is a technique that involves fertilizing eggs in a laboratory within a controlled environment. In Spain, it is one of the most effective treatments with the highest success rates.
Improvements in Embryo Culture and Selection
Advances in embryo culture techniques have improved conditions for early embryo development, including the use of more advanced culture media and incubation techniques, as well as embryo biopsy to select those with the highest chances of successful implantation and the lowest risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Egg and Embryo Vitrification
Vitrification allows the preservation of eggs and embryos with a high survival rate after thawing. This solution is designed for women who want to postpone motherhood, enabling them to preserve their young, healthy eggs for use later in fertility treatments, thus increasing the chances of success.
C. Gamete Donation
Gamete donation, both eggs and sperm, is recommended for couples with severe fertility problems or those carrying genetic diseases. In Spain, this process is legally regulated for both ethical and safety reasons, ensuring that all donors are rigorously selected and that procedures are carried out under strict quality controls.
