Why Do I Care About Infertility Statistics?



Posted: Sunday, October 11, 2009

by J. Michael Key

A couple going through the challenges of infertility may feel like the only one in the world, but without a doubt, there are thousands of others in the same situation.  Frankly it can be with mixed feelings that they celebrate the wonderful news about family and friends who become pregnant when they can't.  Looking at infertility statistics is important, as they will offer a new perspective on the issue.

According to modern research over 7 million women and teenage girls will be faced with issues of carrying a full-term pregnancy.  Unfortunately, the signs won't be noticeable beforehand, which means they'll have to wait until they try to build a family.  However, there are times when the first pregnancy is successful, but later developments cause future impairment.  Keep it mind these are rare occasions, but they do happen.

Did you know that those happy friends and others in the neighborhood with newborns may have gone through the same thing?  Our mindsets don't work this way, but it's possible they had issues just like you.  In fact, they could have spent thousands of dollars putting everything in place.  These are the types of details you need to about upfront.

Remember, around 7.3 million girls and women between the ages of 15 to 44 receive some sort of fertility treatments at one point in their lives.  When you think about it, this is barely less than 12% of the overall population.  Close to 6% received some sort of professional advice, but that was it.  Those who received a preventative treatment for miscarriages hit 5.5%.  Another 3.8% received ovulation medication, while 1% had artificial insemination done.  Probably the most important infertility statistics out there is the 12% of women in this age range who will have issues getting pregnant, and carrying the baby to full term.

Keep in mind we haven't even gotten into the numbers of older mothers.  When we do, the percentages increase.  The women who are between the ages of 35 and 39 who have looked for fertility treatments hit 15.2%.  You have to understand that as women get older the production of healthy eggs diminishes.  Even women who are between the ages of 30 and 34 have a higher percentage due to the fact they are more willing to become pregnant than older women.  However, women who are 29 and younger have a huge decrease, as only 2.9% are looking for help.

What it comes down to is that even if a couple has difficulties it doesn't mean fertility treatments won't be effective.  While we don't have the exact numbers here, several couples with issues get minor and moderate treatments.  Once it becomes a more significant treatment then the success numbers rise.  By the time a woman reaches the age of 31 and undergoes in-vitro fertilization, they have a 38% success rate.  If simpler treatments like correcting hormone imbalances, drugs, and various other issues are included in the mix, then the success rate is much higher.

Unfortunately the success rate does decrease with age.  In fact, it drops to 22% of women at age 39 and even further once you hit 40 (only 10%).  So if you know the woman in a relationship has fertility issues, then it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible.  However, if older women use eggs from a younger donor, then the success rate shoots up to around 45%.  Definitely the type of infertility statistics we all like to hear.

Michael Key has written extensively for 30 years on a wide variety of technical issues.  For more information on infertility statistics look for his new book "Secrets of Infertility Relief" available only at InfertilityRelief.com.
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