According to Professor Bill Ledger from Sheffield University, UK, one in seven couples now has trouble conceiving naturally but this could rise to one in three over the next decade.
Obesity and sex infections are linked to infertility
Over the last decade, people with chamydia, a sexually transmitted infection which carries a risk of infertility, has doubled. Sexually transmitted infections are rising in young teenagers. That is likely to cause blocked fallopian tubes in some. Once want to become mothers later, these young women can’t conceive.
It is estimated 6% of girls under the age of 19 are living with obesity. More and more children are classed as obese. These children are almost certain destined to become obese adults and female overweight women will not ovulate as efficiently.
Caffein increases the risk of female infertility
Recently, scientists have added caffein to the risk of infertility. Professor Sean Ward from the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, USA warned caffeine reduces muscle activity in the Fallopian tubes that carry eggs from a woman’s ovaries to her womb. Drinking caffeinated drinks can reduce a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant.
The incidence of male infertility also rises
Studies also show that both the quality and quantity of sperm appeared to be in decline. That is a potential rise in male infertility that could affect couples.
Policies may increase the European population
Time suitable for pregancy most is late teens and early twenties. But in fact, many women are putting off having a family and a baby until they are in their late 30s and early 40s.
There are too few children being born in Europe. And it is a threat to the future. It is recommended women be offered career breaks so they could have children younger, when they are more fertile. Women should be encouraged to have children naturally, rather than waiting to the point at which IVF may be needed.
Policies to encourage women to have children earlier should be implemented. Improving the health of nation, reducing obesity, promoting healthy living, increasing physical activity and tackling sexually transmitted infections are needed to carry out so as to reseve the worrying trend.