A new study projects that infertility among women will reach nearly 80 million cases globally by 2036, marking a significant increase from approximately 53.6 million in 2023. This rise is largely attributed to delayed motherhood, particularly among women aged 35 to 49, according to research published in The Lancet. The study indicates that infertility cases in this age group are expected to increase by nearly 1.5 times over the next decade.
Study Findings
The analysis, which draws on data from the Global Burden of Disease 2023 study, highlights that the most substantial increases in infertility are anticipated among women aged 35 to 39. The authors of the study noted that age-related declines in egg reserve and fertilization ability contribute to reduced fecundity, increased miscarriage risk, and lower success rates for assisted reproductive technologies. The study was conducted by Chinese researchers and covered 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2023.
Factors Contributing to Infertility
Several social and demographic changes are driving the rise in infertility, particularly in more developed countries. Many individuals are choosing to marry and have children later in life, while awareness of fertility issues prompts more couples to seek help. However, access to fertility tests and treatments remains limited in many regions, leading to a growing gap between demand for care and availability. Rocío Núñez Calonge, a biologist and fertility expert, emphasized that addressing infertility among older women requires more than just expanding assisted reproductive therapy options.
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The projected rise in infertility cases could lead to increased demand for fertility treatments and related healthcare services, impacting sectors such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare providers. Investors will watch for developments in reproductive health policies and advancements in fertility treatments as the number of affected women increases.