About Fertility
How Common is Infertility?
Fertility is primarily age-dependent. Women who have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for at least a year and are under the age of 35 should see a health care provider. As women age, the chances of achieving pregnancy decrease, so it is important for a woman over the age of 35 to seek medical advice if she has tried unsuccessfully for more than six months. How common is infertility?
Even for fertile couples, conceiving can take time. During any given month, the chances of becoming pregnant naturally are only 20%. Those chances increase over time:
- 57% within three months of trying
- 75% within six months
- 90% within one year
- 95% within two years of attempting pregnancy
If you’ve been struggling with infertility, know that you’re not alone—infertility affects men and women alike, impacting nearly one in eight couples. We encourage you to meet with a fertility doctor who can help diagnose your infertility and identify a treatment to help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
Global Infertility Statistics
Infertility rates vary by country, depending on healthcare quality, pollution exposure, and other important factors. For example, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia have the lowest fertility rates in the world, with an average of 1.5 children per woman. Sweden has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe, with about 1.9 children per woman. In comparison, the United States has an average of 1.87 children born per woman. One in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility, compared to only one in eight couples in the United States.
Infertility Statistics by Gender
Infertility affects both men and women at similar rates in the United States (about 9% of men and 11% of women), and can be diagnosed and treated by a fertility doctor. In a snapshot:
- Infertility affects 15 million people in the U.S. annually
- Fertility declines in men after age 50 and declines in women after age 30
- 13% of women between 26 to 34 have difficulty conceiving
- 25% of women between 35 to 39 have difficulty conceiving
- 34% of women 40 or older will have difficulty conceiving
Infertility among men, also known as male factor infertility, usually can be tied to a challenge with sperm production. Age, weight, marijuana usage, alcohol consumption, and exposure to some medications, toxins, and radiation can all impact fertility in men as well.
On the other hand, infertility among women may be tied to various health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), age, weight gain or loss, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other factors. It’s also worth noting that age impacts women’s fertility much more strongly than it does for men.
With this in mind, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. A fertility doctor will work with you to determine the cause of your infertility and determine the proper treatment that will fit your family-building needs.
Contact Us
At Fertility Centers of New England, we believe that everyone has the right to a loving, happy family. If you have more questions, like how common infertility is, or are having difficulty conceiving, contact us to schedule an initial consultation to start your journey to parenthood.
