Study points out at rising global infertility in women
Infertility is a serious issue confronting many nations. In several countries, it is leading to population decline and poses a major challenge.
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for couples under 35, or 6 months for those 35 and older. It can affect males, females, or both, and may be caused by hormonal, structural, genetic, or lifestyle factors. It also includes difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies.
Recent studies point to rising infertility among women. Delayed childbearing is driving a major public health challenge: increasing infertility among women in their late 30s and 40s.
A study published in _The Lancet: Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health_ estimates that more than 53 million women aged 35-49 worldwide were living with infertility in 2023. Researchers warn this number could rise by nearly 50 percent in the next ten years, reaching 80 million by 2036.
The study is called one of the most comprehensive assessments of infertility trends. It analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023 as part of the Global Burden of Disease 2023 study.
Female infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, or 6 months if over 35.
Common causes include ovulation disorders like PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine issues, age-related decline in egg quality, and hormonal imbalances. Lifestyle factors like stress, weight, and smoking also matter. It is diagnosed through hormone tests, ultrasounds, and other exams. Treatments range from fertility drugs to IVF.
Undoubtedly, infertility is among the leading challenges confronting humanity.
Addressing infertility requires more than medicine. It needs education, workplace support, and reduced stigma so couples can seek help early. Governments should invest in research, affordable care, and fertility preservation. By combining science with empathy, societies can protect reproductive health and give families real hope for the future.
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