Statistically, one in five couples will struggle with fertility issues. According to the experts, those numbers are set to rise in the future.
The older (and rising) age at which people are now starting their families, combined with lifestyle factors, are mostly to be blamed, and while fertility problems can be both challenging and devastating for individuals and couples, it is important, says experts, to know that you are certainly not alone, and that there are medical innovations and developments happening in the area all the time.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people seeking treatment over the past number of years, explains medical director at Beacon CARE Fertility, Dr Ahmed Omar. “That’s obviously partly due to the older age at which people are now starting their families, but, in addition to that, we are noticing that Irish people are now becoming more proactive about their fertility and willing to seek further information.”
When it comes to wising up and getting smart about your own fertility, Professor Simon Fishel, one of the world’s leading fertility experts, agrees that this is something everyone who wants a family in the future needs to do.
“There is no denying we are seeing a rise in couples and individuals experiencing fertility issues, and on the rise as well are what we call ‘secondary infertility’, Fishel explains. “This is when you have had one baby first, where conception happened naturally, and there were no problems, and then, a couple of years down the line when you decide you are ready for another child, nothing happens.”
The risk of putting off parenthood
Rising maternal age and environmental factors, like toxins around us, stress and lifestyle are all to blame, the professor agrees, and is quick to remind us about the stark reality putting off parenthood can pose.
“What is happening regarding the population growth going down is a real issue for future generation, Fishel explains. “But society is making it harder for women, for couples, to have a family young, when your body is at its most ready for it. Rising costs of living and financial strains are seeing people put off parenthood, and the honest truth of it is that this can have devastating results.”
It is easy to lull yourself into security that time is on your side too, the experts fears.
“Today, women in their 30s and 40s look – and probably feel – years younger than women of the same age would have done a generation or two ago,” Fishel explains. “They eat well, exercise and dress smart. But inside, your eggs are aging at their chronological rate, no matter what you look like on the outside, and the reality is that when you approach your mid-30s, your fertility starts to decline quite sharply.”
To couple’s who have had unprotected sex with the intention of getting pregnant for a year, and seen no results, get checked out, Fishel explains.
“Many times, nothing will show up and you will be diagnosed with what we call ‘unexplained infertility’, but don’t give up there. Sometimes further testing in a specialized fertility clinic will reveal what the issue is, and many times it is something we already have treatments or help available for.”
The expert explains this is especially important for couple’s who have suffered multiple miscarriages. “Sometimes, IVF tests can reveal chromosomal faults with certain embryos, that, if implanted, would result in miscarriage. The process that takes place during IVF allows us to screen for these abnormalities, and result in that only viable and healthy embryos are implanted, something that will greatly improve your chances of a normal pregnancy and live birth.”
Freezing eggs
One option for women – or couples – who are in their 30s and know they want a family, but not just yet, is egg freezing, a procedure that, according to Fishel, is becoming more common.
“It’s a great insurance to have, and we are seeing an increase in couples opting to do this, just to feel more secure about what they future will hold in terms of a family.”
Egg freezing is also an option to women who might have had one baby in their early-mid 30s, and know they want to add to their family, but not just yet.
At Beacon CARE Fertility the cost of having your eggs frozen start from €3000, with an additional €500 every year you want to keep your eggs stored, and could, to many, prove a costly, but life-changing insurance for the future.
“I think we need a shift in mindset, and make it more about “I want a family” than “I want a baby”, Fishel explains. “Many mothers who have put off parenthood until their 30s forget that if they have a baby at 32 or 33, then want to leave a little time before they go again, they are suddenly maybe 35 0r 36 before they feel ready to go again, and might not get pregnant all that easily again. Planning for the family you want is important when considering when you feel ready for baby, or else you could be in the position that you might have your baby, but will struggle to have all the children you actually wanted.”
Professor Simon Fishel works with Beacon CARE Fertility.
Beacon CARE Fertility Awareness Day event will take place on Saturday the 27th of February 2016 from 10am – 1pm at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, Dublin 2. To register for free tickets, log on to beaconcarefertility.ie
