Are there more infertility issues today?

As societal attitudes towards infertility have evolved through the centuries, so has the science behind reproductive health. When clinicians began focusing on this often overlooked and stigmatized aspect of human development, they uncovered a wide variety of treatments that can alleviate or even outright circumvent issues surrounding infertility. That being said, several social factors might negatively influence today’s fertility outcomes. In other words, the reality of modern fertility rates is complicated.

Thankfully, individuals today can exert a tremendous amount of control over their reproductive well-being through a variety of dietary and lifestyle decisions. Considering these choices and modern treatments, the future of fertility care has never looked more optimistic.

How Your Environment Affects Fertility

Your lifestyle and diet directly impact your reproductive health, as they impact your overall well-being. A balanced diet that reduces ultra processed foods has been shown to improve fertility. Likewise, maintaining a regular exercise routine and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle can better facilitate aspects of the conception process, such as sperm motility. Avoiding unhealthy lifestyle patterns like smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol can further support fertility.

If someone is not conscientious and honest about their habits, they can significantly hamper their fertility outcomes. In the United States, we have seen a rise in unhealthy trends like eating processed foods and adopting an inactive lifestyle, especially regarding modern American work culture. That being said, you have tremendous control over these lifestyle elements. If you suspect your lifestyle contributes to poor fertility outcomes, consider discussing your nutrition and exercise habits to design a regimen better aligned with your needs.

Shifting Values

These days, many couples are deciding to have children later and later in life. These shifting attitudes in family planning can directly impact our perception of modern fertility rates. It’s no secret that fertility goes down as we grow older, with noticeable changes occuring in our mid to late thirties. This is all perfectly natural. As couples wait longer to have children, they can find themselves running into fertility challenges that were simply less frequent thirty or forty years ago.

Thankfully, modern fertility science has adapted mainly to these shifting trends. Couples trying to conceive later in life have many more options to course-correct their journey should they face challenges.

Advancements in Fertility Treatments

Technological advancements have revolutionized the landscape of fertility treatments, providing hope and options for individuals and couples facing challenges in conceiving naturally.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) encompass a range of medical procedures designed to aid in achieving pregnancy. These include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), among others. These technologies have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing more precise and effective interventions.

Due to technological advancements, success rates in fertility treatments have improved considerably in recent years. IVF, for instance, has shown significant success, with many individuals and couples achieving successful pregnancies. However, it's essential to recognize the restrictions and variable results associated with these treatments because age, pre-existing medical conditions, and the particular treatment protocol can all affect success.

The widespread adoption of fertility interventions empowers individuals to exercise greater control over their reproductive choices. It has opened avenues for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, single parents, and those with fertility challenges to build families. 

The Role of Stress and Mental Health

In recent years, experts have observed an intricate relationship between stress and infertility. The human body's stress response, often called the "fight or flight" mechanism, can trigger hormonal changes that may impact reproductive functions. Chronic stress, if not addressed, can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted ovulation, potentially affecting fertility.

Moreover, the psychological impact of infertility on individuals and couples can exacerbate existing issues. Fertility struggles can lead to feelings of frustration, grief, and inadequacy, which can pose a strain on mental health. The societal expectations of efficiently achieving parenthood can exacerbate these emotions. For all these reasons, safeguarding your mental health is a crucial aspect of modern fertility care. 

A Bright Future Ahead

When looking at the modern fertility landscape, we can identify several both positive and negative trends. In good news, fertility treatments, medical science, and our understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and reproductive health have never been better. On the other hand, passive lifestyle trends and couples having children later in life have created several problems that were far less common in the past. As with any matter related to fertility and reproductive health, we must continue working to break down the negative stigmas surrounding infertility to ensure people get the help they need and the science continues to improve.

When understanding your fertility, begin by taking an honest inventory. Monitor your exercise, dietary, and lifestyle habits and identify potential pressure points. If you’re trying to conceive later in life, consult your doctor to better understand your fertility. Finally, understand that most fertility challenges can be navigated with proper technological interventions, lifestyle changes, and stress management.

At Nevada Fertility Insitute, we could not be more optimistic about the future of fertility care. While every generation comes with unique challenges, the technology and conversation surrounding reproductive health have drastically improved. We expect these gains to persist through the years as our leading scientists continue identifying solutions for modern fertility care.