In recent times, the demand for fertility treatments have soared to sky high levels. Statistics for infertility amongst couples are higher than ever and many studies show that couples are struggling to conceive naturally. In fact, in the UK alone, the total fertility rate per woman dropped to 1.49 in 2022, compared to 1.55 in 2021. The fertility rate has been on a steady decline since the year 2010, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). A similar decline is happening in other countries too. So the big question arises: Why is there a global decline in fertility? Will it impact you and your partner as well?
Possible causes of the global decline in fertility
According to medical experts, by the year 2050, 76% of countries are expected to have fertility rates below population replacement levels, and by the year 2100, this figure might rise to 97% of countries. There is no single, definitive reason for this. While lifestyle changes, chronic health conditions, and an increase in the toxins we are exposed to all play a part, when we dive into this in depth, there are a few other reasons which could contribute to this global decline too.
Firstly, with greater access to contraception, many couples are practising safe sex – which is great news! However, this also means that chances of accidental and unwanted pregnancies have also reduced significantly.
Secondly, due to developments in women’s socio-cultural status over the last 50 years, more women than ever before are opting to pursue further education. This has a two fold-impact on the lives of these women, not only empowering more women to pursue careers, but meaning that more women than ever are prioritising their own needs and desires, rather than necessarily following a more traditional path in life.
Lastly, another possible contributing factor in the declining fertility rate could very well be the growing cost of living. The cost of raising children has shot up drastically in the last few years, and more couples and individuals than ever before are struggling to make ends meet. According to research by Moneyfarm, the average cost of raising a child in the UK exceeds £223,256. This accounts for both housing costs and healthcare for the child. In addition to this, with urbanisation and a post-COVID pandemic era, the trend for small family sizes have seen a rise.
Will these factors affect me and my partner?
What does this mean for couples that may want to have a family? Although some factors are out of our control to some extent, there are many lifestyle changes you can make closer to home that can have a direct positive impact on your fertility.
A study in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience has shown that people with high stress levels are linked to poor fertility levels – and this is applicable for both genders. Therefore, for couples in high performing jobs, this inverse relationship of stress and fertility could slim down their chances of conceiving a child significantly. By working on reducing your work-life stress, this could have a positive impact on your fertility.
More and more of us are suffering from inflammation-related health conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and diabetes which, as you may have guessed by now, can all have an impact on our fertility levels. Diets containing high consumption of sweetened drinks, sugar, junk food, refined grains, baked goods, and processed foods are a mainstay of the modern-day diet, but unfortunately they are all linked to an increase in inflammation. This is supported by research published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nutrients, on the influence of metabolic factors and diet on fertility.
How can my partner and I start a family when it seems like the odds are against us?
If you and your partner are looking to expand your family, keep in mind the following.
Planning well in advance, both emotionally and financially, can give you an edge in your fertility journey. In addition, it can be beneficial to undergo fertility tests early on to get a good understanding of your fertility potential. This can also highlight any potential issues that may require intervention.
To boost your chances of getting pregnant, you may need to turn attention to your bodies and make some changes to support the conception process. This means cutting back on alcohol and cigarettes (this is applicable for men as well), keeping a check on your diet by reducing processed foods and sugar, reducing exposure to toxins, ensuring optimal bedtime routines, adding in regular light exercise and managing stress. Adding foods rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, calcium, iodine, and iron may help to support fertility.
If you or your partner suffer from any health conditions, it is important to consult a fertility doctor as early as possible to see if they could have an impact on your fertility. Keeping an open dialogue with a fertility doctor about your health and future family goals will allow them to suggest effective ways to overcome roadblocks in your journey. When it comes to finding a fertility clinic in London, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are many fertility clinics to choose from that are equipped with the state of the art technology required to provide bespoke treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Starting your family
While the World struggles with a fertility decline, you and your partner’s dream of starting a family doesn’t need to be hampered, with a bit of forward planning and plenty of informed decisions. Understanding the basics about your own fertility is often overlooked but can make a world of difference when it comes to making decisions about conception.
Simple lifestyle changes, being transparent with your doctors and keeping a strong emotional head will help you towards achieving your family goals.
