Infertility in industrialized countries: prevalence and prevention

Abstract

We discuss the prevalence and aetiology of infertility and the relevance of this information for national infertility services and prevention programmes. The prevalence of infertility in industrialized countries has been said to be as high as 10-20%. This estimate, and the argument that little can be done to prevent infertility, have been used as justification for increased government investment in, or expansion of, services for medically assisted conception. However, population prevalence surveys indicate that far fewer couples of reproductive age are actually infertile. For example, a recent survey in the United States reported that 8.5% of married couples with a wife age 15-44 were infertile. 4% of the sample were childless and reported having a condition which impaired fecundity, while less than 2% were childless, had impaired fecundity and were over 35 years of age. Other studies show that nearly a third of couples have difficulty conceiving at some point during their reproductive lives but few actually remain childless. A significant proportion of infertility could be prevented through more aggressive application of standard public health measures.