GMA Health Alert: Fertility Decline

Overview

• CDC reports fertility rates are at an all-time low.
• A new survey by Healthline, "The State of Fertility," provides insight.
• Focuses on millennials’ awareness, beliefs, and attitudes toward fertility.

Key Findings

• Decline in Fertility Rates:
  • Women under 30: fertility rates decreasing.
  • Women 30 and above: fertility rates increasing.
• Importance of age 35 for women: pivotal age for fertility awareness.

Reasons for Decline

• Complex Factors:
  • Medical reasons.
  • Social reasons.
  • Financial reasons.
• Main Reasons for Delayed Parenthood among Millennials:
  • Financial security concerns.
  • Career aspirations.

Biological Insights

• Egg Count and Fertility Over Time:
  • Female fetus: 6-7 million eggs in utero.
  • At birth: about 1 million eggs.
  • Adolescence (puberty at 11-13 years): about 300,000 eggs.
  • Reproductive lifetime: releases about 300 eggs.
  • 30s and 40s: significant decline in both number and quality of eggs.
  • Peak fertility: late teens and early 20s.

Recommendations for Women

• Importance of Early Discussion:
  • Start conversations with healthcare providers in their 20s about reproductive health options.
  • Awareness and education about fertility are crucial.
  • Understanding individual choices and circumstances.

Considerations for Both Genders

• Recent studies indicate male fertility rates are also dropping globally.
• Fertility and reproduction involve both male and female contributions.