An expert on infertility answers our questions.
Newsweek
March 13, 2006 issue – Infertility among young women has risen almost 20 percent since 1995, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control. Tip Sheet’s Raina Kelley spoke to Joseph Isaacs, president & CEO of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, about why that is–and what you can do to protect yourself.
What percentage of young women are infertile?
Joseph Isaacs: At least half of all cases of infertility, or over 3.5 million. People think infertility and think IVF [in vitro fertilization] and women over 35, but that’s part of the myth.
How young are they?
Twenty five and under, but you’re still in your prime at 32, 33 and under.
How do you define infertility?
The inability to conceive or retain a pregnancy during a one-year period for those 35 and under. For those over 35, you should think about seeing a reproductive endocrinologist after six months of trying.
What are leading causes of infertility among young women?
Things like smoking, obesity, drinking, substance abuse, lack of exercise, being underweight, STDs.
Are these causes different for older women?
No, they go across the board. They affect your ovulation, hormonal levels. And for males, sperm quality, because males are responsible for 40 percent of all infertility.But older women are also dealing much more with egg quality.
Are more young men also infertile?
The number of men being treated [for infertility] is on the rise all over the world, but ICSi [Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, a process where sperm is injected directly into an egg] is a very reliable treatment.
Is there anything like ICSi for women?
There’s research all over the world on egg quality. We have the means by which to bypass fallopian tubes and create a successful embryo outside the womb, but if the eggs are no good, then you’re stuck.
How can young women protect their fertility?
Practice safe sex, maintain normal weight, avoid environmental toxins, don’t smoke and limit alcohol.
What percentage of couples trying to conceive are infertile?
Twelve percent or one in every eight childbearing couple. The CDC put out its latest statistics and this is an increase grown from one in 10. Something is going on, it’s partially better reporting but it could be environmental and the fast growing segment of infertiles is women under 25.
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