Every year, during the last week of April, National Infertility Awareness Week is celebrated. This initiative reminds us that infertility knows no cultures, social classes, or borders: it affects women and men of all ages and backgrounds. You might know someone close who is going through this. While supporting a friend or family member in this situation can be challenging, there are simple and effective strategies to provide help empathetically and safely.
What is National Infertility Awareness Week and why does it matter?
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) brings together healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates to spread information about a problem affecting 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide. During these days, discussions cover prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options, from lifestyle changes to assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
What factors contribute to infertility?
Infertility can have many causes. In women, ovulatory disorders, tubal damage, or endometriosis are common. In men, low sperm count, reduced motility, or abnormal morphology often play a key role. Additionally, habits such as smoking, having a BMI over 30 kg/m², excessive alcohol consumption, and stress also affect fertility in both sexes.
How do assisted reproductive technologies improve conception rates?
At Ingenes we combine advanced ART techniques with personalized care. We offer in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Each plan is tailored to the patient’s medical profile, optimizing success chances and reducing risks.
What lifestyle changes can boost fertility naturally?
Some simple adjustments make a difference. Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, maintain a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9), engage in moderate exercise, and limit caffeine to under 200 mg daily (about two 240 ml cups of coffee). Avoid tobacco, moderate alcohol, and devote time to stress-management techniques like yoga or meditation.
Why is early medical advice important?
Early evaluation by a reproductive specialist allows identification of treatable causes of infertility and initiation of interventions before age becomes a limiting factor. Do not self-medicate without consulting a professional. Visiting an Assisted Reproduction specialist is key to maximizing your chances of pregnancy.
At Ingenes we also offer resources and ongoing training so our patients have the information and support they need. Discover other initiatives like International Men’s Health Week: Let’s Talk About Fertility and global campaigns like World Fertility Day.
How can you support someone facing infertility?
Listen without judgment, offer practical help, and encourage participation in social activities. Learn about the emotional and physical impact of infertility and suggest professional support, whether through therapy, support groups, or patient networks, so no one faces this journey alone.
Resources available during National Infertility Awareness Week
Webinars, workshops, and social media campaigns offer up-to-date advice on prevention and treatment. Many clinics, including Ingenes, host expert Q&A sessions. Check reliable sources like WHO Infertility and national infertility associations for local events.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does age affect fertility in women and men?
Yes. In women, fertility usually declines after age 35 due to lower ovarian reserve and egg quality. In men, fertility gradually decreases from 40, affecting motility and morphology. Early evaluation helps plan timely interventions.
Tests like anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) assess ovarian reserve; semen analysis measures concentration (million/mL), motility (%), and morphology (% normal forms).
2. What is the success rate of IVF treatments?
It depends on age, diagnosis, and clinic protocol. On average, women under 35 achieve live birth rates of 45–55% per cycle; in women over 40, rates drop to 15–20%. Factors like egg quality and embryo grading also influence outcomes.
Technologies such as time-lapse and PGT help select viable embryos, improving results. Talk to your specialist for your personalized prognosis.
3. Are there non-medical methods to increase fertility?
Lifestyle changes can support reproductive health: Mediterranean diet, healthy weight, less caffeine, quitting smoking, and stress management with mindfulness. Supplements like folic acid (400 µg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) are helpful, but always avoid self-medication without consulting a doctor.
4. When should a couple seek medical advice?
If they are under 35, after 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy; if over 35, after six months. Additionally, it’s advisable to seek help earlier if there are irregular cycles, severe endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections.
Early intervention detects issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or male factors, improving prospects by starting appropriate treatment.
Sources Consulted
- World Health Organization. (2023). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/infertility
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Definitions of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 113(1), 19–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.06.005
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/art
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Fertility. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fertility.html
We know this journey can be difficult, but you are not alone. Seek the support of those who understand you and remember that an assisted reproduction specialist can offer the guidance and support you need to increase your chances of becoming a parent.