A woman’s ability to conceive in early middle age may be influenced by her blood type. The US study of 560 women undergoing fertility treatment found that those with type “O” blood had chemical signs linked to low egg numbers. Researchers looked at the levels of a chemical called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the women, who had an average age of 35. A woman has a fixed number of eggs, known as her “ovarian reserve” that are released gradually over her fertile life. High levels of FSH are thought to be an indicator that this reserve is diminishing more quickly, which can reduce chances of conception once a woman reaches her 30s and 40s. Analysis of blood samples revealed that the women with type “O” blood were more likely to have higher FSH readings.
According to the research, the blood type may help determine the genetic basis of fertility problems, but further research must be carried out in the general population and not only in fertility clinics to help strengthen the findings. At this time, Dr. Edward Nejat, who led the study, said: “A woman’s age remains the most important factor in determining her success of conceiving.”
Title: Blood Group Affects Fertility
Publication: BBC News (Health)
Date of Publication: October 25, 2010
Pages: N/A (website article)
Author: N/A (BBC News)
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11618265
Community Evaluator: Gary Evans, MD, Kaiser Permanente
Student researcher: Aluna Soupholphakdy, Sonoma State University