COVID-19 Policy – Click here for Updates.

August 26: Fertility Health Checks Learn More

June 2007

National Fertility Study 2006
Key Findings

Labett Research on behalf of Fertility Society of Australasia
Fertility problems have always been common in Australia with 1 in 6 couples affected by infertility (currently over 3 million people). However, the time for people to conceive has significantly reduced due to societal changes ie a couple may not begin trying to have children until the time their fertility has already started to decline.

“It is important people understand, protect and preserve their fertility so they have the best chance of having a child at a time of their choice as quickly and simply as possible,” said Dr Anne Clark, Chair, Fertility Preservation, Fertility Society of Australia. “If people are actively trying to conceive without success after 6-12months they need to seek medical help.”

Key preliminary findings:
Men not as likely to want children
• Of the 68% of people surveyed who had children, 4 out of 5 did not want to have any more. 81% of males did not want to have any more children, in strong contrast to 69% of women who would consider having more.
• Of the 32% of people surveyed who did not have children 1 in 2 never wanted children. Again males dominated with 21% reflecting this view and compared with only 14% of females.

Age affects men and women’s fertility
• Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have – highlighting their reproductive potential is greater when they are younger. As a woman ages so do her eggs. Both eggs and sperm age and significantly affect the opportunities to conceive.
• 51% of childless women surveyed aged between 30-49 thought they could still conceive if they wanted to. However, 95% also believed their fertility declined with age – highlighting the misconception that age does affect an individual’s fertility.

Infertility is not a modern issue – but the time for people to conceive has significantly reduced due to societal changes
• For example in 1979 the average age of a woman marrying was 21 (when she has over 1million eggs available) and in 2002 it was 27 years of age (when her number of eggs has reduced to around 150,000) – significantly reducing her fertility potential.
• Interestingly in 1999 over 54% of men and 40% of women in their early 20s were still living at home – having not considered parenting.
• The key factors influencing people’s decisions on when to have children are in fact being in a stable relationship and having financial security. Contrary to the belief that women are delaying fertility for career advancement. Less than 30% of women surveyed rated their career as a priority, in fact their partner’s career was more significant in decision making.
• 1 in 3 women in their 30s have no children as they have no partner.
• Only 2% of those surveyed thought male factor was a reason to have fertility treatment. In contrast to the fact that male factor problems are the single most common reason for Australian couples to access fertility treatment.

Smoking, weight and lifestyle issues affect fertility
• A male and a female smoker are 2-3 times more likely to have fertility problems.
• A child born to a male smoker is 4 times more likely to develop cancer in childhood
• A male smoker is 50% more likely to be impotent – but if they stop smoking this is reversible.
• A female smoker is significantly more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.
• Passive smoking has similar affects on fertility
• 1 in 5 women surveyed and 1 in 3 men with fertility problems were still smoking.

For further information contact:
Denise Donati – Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast 07 5441 7311 or email enquiries@fssc.com.au