Female Fecundity as a Function of Age

Abstract

THE decrease in the fecundity of women who have passed a certain age is generally acknowledged, but supporting data on natural reproduction are scarce. (We use the term "fecundity" in the sense of "capacity for procreation"; "fertility" denotes actual procreation.) In an analysis of data from three large studies, Leridon has suggested that fecundity is decreased in women over 30 years of age.¹ However, this group includes women with a wide range of ages. Furthermore, it was not possible to determine from the data whether the decrease in fecundity was biologic or simply the consequence of diminished sexual activity.Artificial . . .