Infertility rates in Canada have been on a steady upward climb for the last many decades. I just wanted to share some statistics for the last 30 years, and some correlations that should not be overlooked. These correlations quite likely display some of the causes of the infertility trend, and they are either reversible or treatable.
- In 1984 it was estimated that approx 5% of couples in Canada experienced infertility. In 2012 that number has grown to almost 16%. A substantial % can be attributable to the prevalence of women waiting until later in life to start their families.
- In the last 20 years the consumption of alcoholic beverages among women aged 20-34 has more than doubled.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates among this same demographic has also risen.
- In 1981, 4% of women aged 20-39 were obese. Now, that number has more than quadrupled to over 20%.
In a nutshell, age, alcohol consumption, STI's, and obesity are getting a big finger pointed at them, and they are all circumstances that are preventable and treatable, if the proper education reaches women at the right time of their life. More stringent laws surrounding the sales of junk food, in my opinion, would be a great place to start.
I apologize to the women reading this post that due to one reason or another have started down the road of starting a family later in life. I know this information does not help you at this point. That said, There is much that can be done to assist women in their 30's and 40's. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medical techniques such as IVF working together or on their own, most often, with dedication and perseverance, will manifest fertility and children. What I am trying to emphasize here is that the trend we have seen in the last 30 years CAN be reversed, and it can only be done through awareness and education to future generations.
If you are reading this and know of someone that this information may benefit, please take a moment to pass it along.
Good luck creating your family.
