Infertility is becoming more prevalent, affecting millions of people worldwide. In women, infertility rates have reached 122.38 million cases in 2019, representing an 86% rise since 1990.
Environmental toxins like endocrine-disrupting chemicals (“EDCs”), microplastics and electromagnetic fields (“EMFs”) significantly impact reproductive health and fertility in both men and women.
Lifestyle and health factors such as obesity, sexually transmitted infections, diet and stress also contribute to declining fertility rates across different populations.
Recommended strategies to boost fertility include minimising toxic chemical exposure, eating real, whole organic foods, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing EMF exposure.
Consider supplementing with progesterone to protect your reproductive health, as this hormone counteracts the effects of EDCs and supports pregnancy from conception to delivery.
Environmental Toxins and Poor Health Trends Threaten Fertility Worldwide
Infertility is a condition that affects many people, yet diagnosing and addressing it remains a challenge. Traditional diagnostic methods often focus on hormonal levels and reproductive organ health, overlooking broader social, environmental and lifestyle factors. This narrow approach leads to incomplete or inaccurate diagnoses, leaving people without a clear understanding of their condition.
Moreover, the stigma surrounding infertility often discourages people from seeking help. Conventional treatments like assisted reproductive technologies, while beneficial for some, fail to address the underlying causes. These methods are also invasive, costly and don’t always guarantee success.
A more holistic approach that considers not only medical care but also lifestyle, diet and the societal factors shaping reproductive health is essential to address infertility and mitigate its effects on your quality of life.
Infertility in Women Is on the Rise
In women, infertility is characterised by the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Recent research published in Gynaecologic and Obstetric Investigation1 shows an alarming increase in female infertility. In 2019, there were 122.38 million cases of female infertility worldwide, marking an 86% increase since 1990.
When adjusting for age differences across populations, the proportion of women experiencing infertility rose by 24%, and the overall impact on health (measured by years of life affected) increased by 25%. The biggest increases were seen in middle- and upper-middle-income countries, highlighting this as a global concern. North America had the highest rates of infertility, while East Asia had the lowest.
Infertility extends beyond the inability to conceive – it also profoundly affects your physical health and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety and depression. Beyond the personal struggle, infertility disrupts the natural reproductive process, making it a significant concern for individuals and societies.
What’s Causing Infertility Rates to Increase?
Infertility stems from a complex link between social, economic and health factors. A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine2 reframes infertility as more than an individual health issue, focusing on its ties to social, structural and environmental conditions. Key factors include economic status, high cost of living, delayed family planning, gender roles and racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Health trends such as rising obesity rates and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (“STIs”) further worsen the problem. A recent article published in The New York Times3 highlights concerns from experts who warn about these emerging health trends in the United States that exacerbate infertility.
“Obesity can impact ovulation in women,” Dr. Mary Rosser, the director of Integrated Women’s Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, told The New York Times. Excess weight disrupts hormonal signals required for regular menstrual cycles and is closely linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (“PCOS”). Studies show that between 70% and 80% of women with PCOS struggle with infertility and they also face a higher risk of miscarriage.4
Moreover, STIs, if left untreated, lead to complications that impact reproductive organs. STI rates in the United States have been rising for decades, though some have recently levelled off. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) attributes this long-term increase to factors like decreased condom use and the closure of clinics offering STI testing and treatment.5
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are particularly concerning because they cause pelvic inflammatory disease (“PID”) and permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, Dr. Rosser explained. Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they often go untreated until they have already harmed fertility.6
PERCEPTION RESET 