Hey there! Let’s chat about the state of infertility in America. It’s fascinating to see how perspectives on family planning are changing.
Many people seem pretty confident about their ability to conceive; in fact, surveys show that 91% of those actively trying and 95% of those planning to have kids in the next five years feel optimistic about their chances! For Millennials, this confidence often stems from a strong belief in technology. About 65% think they don’t need to worry much about infertility because of advancements in reproductive tech. We totally get that—fertility preservation has opened up so many options, and we’re seeing a lot more Millennials considering egg freezing as a viable choice.
However, this overconfidence is also leading many to delay having children until after they turn 30. This marks a shift from 2006 when the average age for a woman to have her first baby was just 25, rising from 21.4 in 1970. Financial concerns likely play a role in this trend, especially since birth rates among women in their 20s dropped over 15% between 2007 and 2012, possibly due to the Great Recession.
Waiting until age 30 can pose challenges, though. A woman’s peak reproductive years are in her 20s, and the reality is that a healthy, 30-year-old woman only has about a 1 in 5 chance of getting pregnant naturally each month.
When it comes to IVF, despite Millennials’ love for science, some outdated beliefs persist. For instance, 87% of those actively trying or expecting to within the next four years think transferring more than one embryo increases their chances of conception. In reality, utilizing comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) with single embryo transfer (SET) can lead to comparable success rates while reducing overall costs. You can read more about this process at this excellent resource on IVF.
Stress also plays a significant role in the fertility journey. The survey highlighted that 55% of respondents found infertility more stressful than unemployment and 61% more stressful than divorce. That’s why we emphasize the importance of support—our programs include a range of counseling and workshops for everyone facing fertility challenges.
Interestingly, many Millennials are prioritizing fertility benefits at work. About 70% of them, along with 90% of those who have struggled with fertility, said they would consider switching jobs for better fertility coverage if necessary.
If you’re curious about at-home options, check out this post for more on at-home insemination kits. For those looking for quality kits, you might also want to explore what they offer at Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit.
In summary, while optimism about fertility is prevalent, it’s essential to be informed about the realities of reproductive health and to seek support when needed. The landscape is changing, but knowledge is power on this journey.