Experts have proposed a new framework called the 3F approach for women of advanced reproductive age facing infertility. This method focuses on three main goals: faster evaluation, tailored cycle sequencing, and a specific finish criterion based on the patient's needs. The goal is to align medical treatment with the biological reality of ovarian aging.
The 3F approach aims to maximize the time to a first live birth while reducing the total burden of treatment. It also seeks to help patients reach their ideal family size while minimizing the emotional and physical toll of long treatment cycles. By moving more quickly, the plan hopes to address the time-sensitive nature of fertility for older patients.
It is important to note that this is an expert consensus opinion and a hypothesis-generating framework. It is not a result from a clinical trial. Because it is a theoretical model, the evidence is currently limited. Patients should discuss these specific goals and the 3F framework with their doctors to see if it fits their personal situation.