A large number of people globally face fertility problems, and accessing infertility therapies is essential for them to be able to have children.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.5% of adults – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility. It’s a major health challenge globally, affecting high-, middle-, and low-income countries alike.
causes of infertility
Infertility can affect both men and women and can be attributed to many causes. Male infertility can be caused by abnormal sperm production or function, challenges with sperm delivery, exposure to certain environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking, anabolic steroid use, marijuana, alcohol and certain medications, and damage from cancer or its treatment. Female infertility may result from ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, early menopause, pelvic adhesions and cancer or its treatment.
Age is a key factor in the decline of fertility for both men and women. While men over the age of 40 may be less fertile than younger men, a woman may be less fertile after the age of 35. This decline in women progresses quickly after the age of 37, due to the lower number and quality of eggs.
According to Dr Jack Biko, president of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG), infertility can stem from issues present at birth or those that develop later in life, affecting one or both partners. “Infertility is determined after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse without a pregnancy. Women over the age of 35 should seek an evaluation if they have not been able to conceive after six months.”
Read more about infertility symptoms and causes.
help is available
An infertility diagnosis can lead to feelings of distress and anxiety and may negatively impact the wellbeing of a person or a relationship. But help is available.
“Early diagnosis by a medical specialist can identify challenges promptly, allowing for more effective and timely interventions,” says Dr Biko. “Fertility clinics provide medical support as well as counselling and emotional guidance to help couples navigate this difficult time with hope and resilience. Seeking treatment also ensures that you receive a personalised care plan tailored to your specific situation, which optimises your chances of a successful pregnancy.”
Read our article on IVF to treat infertility.
consider fertility preservation
Age is one of the most common causes of infertility, with the growing trend of people starting their families at an older age. Egg or sperm freezing can help to address this issue.
“One option that is becoming increasingly popular with women is elective egg freezing,” says Dr Biko. “It’s a prudent choice for women who wish to preserve their fecundity for future family planning. By freezing your eggs at a younger age, typically in your late 20s to early 30s, you may safeguard your chances of conception later in life.”
Dr Biko says this proactive approach allows families, especially women, to focus on personal, professional, or educational goals without the immediate pressure of starting a family. “Advances in cryopreservation technology have improved the success rates of using frozen eggs, making it a viable option for those planning ahead. The success of egg freezing, however, is highly dependent on the woman’s age at the time of freezing, with women under 35 having much better outcomes.”
This option can be especially empowering for women who have not yet decided to have a child, or who are delaying pregnancy to focus on career advancement. Increasing your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy later in life reduces the stress and pressure associated with the natural decline in fecundity.
Egg, sperm, or embryo freezing is also used for medical reasons, for example, in people with a condition, or facing treatment for a condition, which may lead to infertility. For example, cancer treatments, such as radiation, surgery and chemotherapy, may either temporarily or permanently impact your ability to produce healthy eggs or sperm, and freezing them before starting therapy may improve your chances of starting a family later.
taking control of your reproductive future
For many people, knowing they have preserved their healthy sperm or eggs provides a sense of security and control over their reproductive futures.
Proper counselling tailored to the personal backgrounds of patients is essential, as is the need for accurate information to help people make informed decisions. Empowering yourself through knowledge is a key step. If you are struggling to conceive or if you would like to preserve your future fertility, don’t delay, have an open conversation about treatment options with your doctor.
