Fertility Today: What Challenges Do Modern People Face?

Dr Evi Vogiatzi, Geneticist - Clinical Embryologist

Fertility is a critical issue in modern society as changes in lifestyle, environment, and health have reshaped the landscape of reproductive capabilities. Despite advancements in medicine and technology, modern men and women face numerous challenges that affect their ability to conceive. This article explores the primary causes and factors impacting fertility today.

  1. Increasing Age of Parenthood

One of the most noticeable changes is the increasing age at which people choose to have children. Social and professional obligations, the need for financial stability, and evolving societal norms have led to delays in parenthood. However, fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after 35 years of age in women and after 40 in men.

  1. Environmental Factors

Environmental pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals have been shown to negatively affect fertility. These substances can disrupt the endocrine system and reduce the quality of sperm and oocytes. Additionally, climate change and environmental pollution have been linked to higher rates of infertility.

  1. Lifestyle Habits

Modern lifestyles characterized by poor diet, sedentary behavior, and increased stress significantly impact fertility. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use adversely affect reproductive health. Furthermore, obesity and being underweight are associated with hormonal imbalances that impair fertility.

  1. Psychological Stress

Psychological stress is a major challenge for modern individuals. Chronic stress can disrupt the production of hormones that regulate reproduction, such as GnRH, which is responsible for ovulation and sperm production.

  1. Medical Factors

Many medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, infections, and autoimmune diseases, affect reproductive capacity. In men, issues such as oligospermia, azoospermia, infections, and low genetic integrity of sperm are common causes of infertility.

  1. Access to Medical Services

Despite advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), access to these services remains limited due to costs, geographical constraints, and societal stigmas.

  1. Technology and Assisted Reproduction

The use of technologies such as oocyte and sperm cryopreservation offers new options for those wishing to delay parenthood. However, challenges such as age selection, cost, and ensuring successful conception after gamete preservation remain significant hurdles.

Conclusion

Fertility today is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including age, environment, lifestyle, and psychological pressures. Despite these challenges, advanced medical diagnostics, developments in assisted reproductive technologies, and a better understanding of reproductive health provide solutions and hope for those wishing to conceive.

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