New research shows 57% of people under 45 are concerned about their fertility

Do you worry about your fertility?

New research has found that 57 per cent of people aged 25 – 45 concerned about their fertility. Not being able to have children was the key concern experienced by 13 per cent of respondents and this was more acutely felt among those aged 25 – 35 with 19 per cent expressing this concern. Not being able to afford fertility treatments was listed at 12 per cent while 11 per cent of respondents are concerned that they might not find out about their fertility issues until it’s too late.1 The research also demonstrated a lack of awareness of where to go to seek advice on fertility issues. While 72 per cent of respondents agreed that people are starting to be more open about fertility and infertility issues, the research showed that a gender divide exists with 57 per cent of respondents believing that the woman should shoulder most of the responsibility of fertility and family planning. Speaking with us today, Commenting on the research, Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots Ireland said;

“Fertility and infertility issues have slowly but surely become less stigmatised in our society, and it is great to see that reflected in our research today with 72% of people agreeing that this is the case. However, the research shows the wide-ranging concerns that people have about their fertility – the fear of the unknown as to whether they will have issues with their fertility in the future and not knowing where to turn to for peace of mind or support if they do in fact have fertility issues. This is borne out in significant issues around their own mental, financial and relationship health underlining the need for greater education and support for people as they navigate this stage of life.”

The research also investigated the impact that people’s fertility journeys have on them. Stress and anxiety is experienced by 14 per cent of people with 13 per cent of people saying it affected their mental health. It causes stress in relationships for 13 per cent of people and 6 per cent reported that their relationship ended as a result.