Genes For Conceiving Naturally
More women are delaying childbirth until after 40 in order to pursue careers or other life goals. Some, including my sister-in-law, have no trouble conceiving while others have to turn to IVF. If scientists at Israel’s Hadassah University Hospital are correct, women like my sister-in-law may carry special genes which slow ovarian aging. (BBC News, June 21, 2005)
The results are preliminary and based on a small number of women, but eight Ashkenazi Jewish women who conceived at age 45 or older were found to have a special DNA fingerprint.
Dr. Neri Laufer said: “These women appear to differ from the normal population due to a unique genetic predisposition that protects them from the DNA damage and cellular ageing that helps age the ovary.
Personally, I would prefer to give birth before age 40 because I’d be concerned about having sufficient energy, good health, and ability to care for kids into old age. However, anecdotal evidence also suggests that being able to bear children at older ages is an indication of a younger physiology which translates to longer life. So perhaps there is something special about older moms which makes it possible for them to tolerate the life-sucking powers of children.
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health
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2 opinions for Genes For Conceiving Naturally
Qadira
Jun 24, 2005 at 11:13 am
hm, preventing aging of the ovary sounds intriguing. my brain wonders if studying that will lead to ways in which to repair or prevent damage to other organs, leading to a better quality of life as we get closer to the Big 100. :)
Lei
Jun 24, 2005 at 11:19 am
Qadira, If these genes play a role in DNA damage and cellular ageing, it certainly does sound like figuring out how they work could affect our health in other ways besides fertility. Maybe men will benefit too! I guess we should include them sometimes. ;)
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