A new fertility study is out, and while the underwriters certainly have their own business interests at heart, it contains some show-stopping numbers. It points out that 90 million couples worldwide are having trouble conceiving. That means 180 million people are in this struggle together since we all know it takes two to tango here. These are not small numbers.
Further, while conventional wisdom would have us believe that the classic infertile couples are aging baby boomers who “forgot” to have their children, this research included the following finding: a growing interest from younger patients continues to spur ongoing growth of the fertility medical sector.
I live this condition and like to think I’m pretty well informed, but these numbers and trends made me do a double take. It’s about time some of the myths surrounding infertility were debunked.
April 25, 2007 1:23 pm
My concern is the growing “interest” by the younger sector.
I have seen studies as well that point to an increase in patients in their early to mid 20’s. At first blush, this could be perceived that infertility is not as age-related as most believe.
Unfortunately, preliminary reports show that these younger patients are there even though they do not necessarily meet the criteria of “Infertile”, but instead are there because they have become more aware of their sisters-in-arms waiting until they are in their 30’s facing issues and they don’t want to be them. Some even say that infertility treatments are “trendy”.
There is a very popular clinic overseas that encourages couples to come see them for IVF treatments, even before ruling out infertility for the Type A personality couples who want to have a baby by suchandsuch time because it coordinates with a vacation, a wedding, etc. (I believe the clinic is in India????)
While I believe treatment is a personal choice, I don’t believe it should fall under the same type of category as botox treatments and chemical peels. Sometimes I think that is how the younger couples view it.
April 25, 2007 1:38 pm
Well, they pegged me: southern, around 30, white-collar professional, voted for John Kerry. Nifty how those demographics work out 🙂
It is nice to see some myths debunked with real data. I feel like I’ve had to defend my choices against common misperceptions to everyone I’ve discussed my IF with, unless they were dealing/have dealt with it themselves. Public education is a GOOD thing.
April 4, 2011 2:37 pm
im nearly 24 and have been off the pill for about 4yrs, my partner is 27 and ive had no joy in getting pregnant. ive had countless tests with everything coming back fine. my partner hasnt had a sperm test yet, thats going to be the next thing. im just hoping its not him because theres not alot that can be done for men.