Reproductive ageing affects both individuals and wider society, and obstetricians and gynaecologists are witness to the impact of reproductive ageing and to some of the fears and misapprehensions of the general public. This book raises awareness of societal trends and their implications. The wider importance of the subject to the whole of society is emphasized by contributions from outside the world of obstetrics and gynaecology, both within and outside medicine. The 56th RCOG Study Group brought together a range of experts to examine reproductive ageing. This book presents the findings of the Study Group, with sections covering: ? background to ageing and demographics ? basic science of reproductive ageing ? pregnancy: the ageing mother and medical needs ? the outcomes: children and mothers ? future fertility insurance: screening, cryopreservation or egg donors? ? sex beyond and after fertility ? fertility treatment: science and reality - the NHS and the market ? the future: dreams and waking up.