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Is Infertility Common Today? Let’s Understand
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Disclosure
The information provided here serves as a general guide and does not constitute medical advice. We strongly advise consulting a certified fertility expert for professional assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.
Synopsis
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is the inability to successfully conceive despite having regular, unprotected intercourse for 12 continuous months or 6 months for women over 35. For years, infertility has been a condition solely linked to women, but it can affect men as well. According to research, men solely account for 20% of infertility cases and are a contributing factor in about 30-40% of cases [source]. Thus, it is important that both partners be examined if conception is not occurring.
Infertility can be of two types: primary and secondary. 'Primary infertility' refers to couples who have never conceived even once in their lives, whereas ‘secondary infertility’ means that they have conceived before and are no longer able to. ‘Unexplained infertility’ refers to the inability to conceive without a known cause.
Infertility impacts both sexes; thus, different causes exist for this disorder. In females, conditions of the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, and endocrine system are among the leading causes. Similarly, blockage of the reproductive organs, malfunctioning testicles, and low-quality sperm are some of the leading causes of infertility in males. Alternatively, there are also negative effects on fertility as a result of lifestyle factors such as alcoholism, obesity, smoking, and toxin exposure.
How Common Is Infertility Globally?
According to the World Health Organisation, infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide at least once in their lifetime [source]. Research also states that a minimum of 180 million couples around the world are affected by infertility [source].
As per recent estimates, lifetime prevalence of infertility is up at 17.8% in high-income countries, whereas it is around 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries [source]. Unfortunately, research conducted in 2025 found that prevalence rates increased by an average of 0.49% per year for males and 0.68% per year for females over the last 30 years. This trend is expected to continue until 2040 [source].
Factors Contributing to an Increase in Infertility Rates
There are a number of reasons why infertility may be becoming more common in today’s times. Certain risk factors include:
- Delayed Parenthood: Age is an important factor at play when it comes to infertility. Many couples choose to delay having children for personal reasons. However, we know that a woman’s ovarian reserve begins to decline with age, and men, too, witness a decrease in fertility with time.
- Lifestyle: The consumption of cigarettes and alcohol, a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and obesity are among the factors that might negatively impact fertility for both males and females.
- Mental State: In addition to physical well-being, mental state matters too, as chronic stress can affect the hormones necessary for conception.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors include exposure to pollutants and toxic substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, which interfere with the function of certain hormones. Thus, these factors lead to low sperm count and ovulation problems.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Such conditions as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, thyroid disease, diabetes, varicocele, and hormonal imbalance affect the chances of getting pregnant. If any of these diseases are present, one should treat the problem beforehand.
- Use of Contraceptives: Long-term use of contraception may result in delays in ovulation and menstruation and, therefore, cause temporary infertility.
- Science Advances: Another possible explanation for the increased infertility rate is advances in science that make infertility diagnosis easier.
Male vs. Female Infertility
| Characteristics | Female Infertility | Male Infertility |
|---|---|---|
| Primary reasons | PCOS, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorder | Low sperm count, low sperm motility, abnormal reproductive structure |
| Ageing | Fertility rate decreases significantly after 35 | Slow decrease in fertility after 40 |
| Diagnostic tools | Hormone level test, ultrasound, HSG test | Semen analysis, hormone testing |
| Environmental Sensitivity | High (EDCs, stress nutrition) | High (Heat exposure, toxins, radiation) |
When Should You Seek Help?
It is recommended to visit a healthcare professional if you have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for a period of one year (six months, if you are above the age of 35 years). Early evaluation does not mean that something is wrong; it simply will help get information sooner rather than later, which can significantly increase your chances of starting a family. Both partners should undergo tests since infertility is mutual.
Conclusion
Infertility is much more common today than one would assume, occurring in approximately 1 out of 6 people worldwide, according to the WHO. It transcends any boundaries of geography, economic background, and gender and is a global health concern silently growing.
Fortunately, some fertility concerns may be preventable or treatable depending on the cause. Being physically active, maintaining a balanced diet, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, reducing stress levels, minimising exposure to chemicals, and visiting your doctor for advice are among the factors that may positively influence your reproductive well-being. The first step towards prevention is always awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is infertility on the rise globally?
Yes, according to recent studies, infertility rates have increased at an annual average rate of 0.49% among men and 0.68% among women for the past three decades. It is expected to continue until 2040.
Can infertility be reversed through lifestyle modifications?
Yes, infertility can be regulated as long as you maintain a healthy weight, take a nutritious diet, abstain from smoking and drinking, reduce stress levels, and consider changing your sedentary lifestyle.
At what age does fertility start to decrease?
For women, fertility begins to decline around the age of 30 and is more significant after 35. For men, fertility may decline after age 40.
Is secondary infertility common?
Secondary infertility remains overlooked but is prevalent among many couples across the globe.
