Retrospectively sampled time-to-pregnancy data may make age-decreasing fecundity look increasing. European Infertility and Subfecundity Study Group

Epidemiology. 2000 Nov;11(6):717-9. doi: 10.1097/00001648-200011000-00019.

Abstract

The retrospective study based on pregnancy samples is the most commonly used method for studying time to pregnancy. Using a simple Monte Carlo simulation, this note focuses on a particular selection bias problem associated with this design: even if each woman's fecundity decreases with age, estimation of the effect of age may show the opposite trend. We recommend exercising increased caution in interpreting findings from pregnancy-based time-to-pregnancy studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility* / epidemiology*
  • Maternal Age
  • Middle Aged
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors