One in seven couples is infertile...Why the timing of treatment is important
Jan 17, 2025
|
However, a more serious problem is not only that 'not giving birth' but also that the number of infertile couples who cannot have children even if they try to give birth' is increasing rapidly. The number of infertile patients is increasing year by year. It exceeded 251,000 for the first time last year. One in seven couples in Korea is suffering from infertility.
Professor Kim Yong-jin of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Guro Hospital of Korea University "The probability of pregnancy is about 85% within one year of starting the pregnancy plan and 95% within two years."And "You often miss the time when you think it will be possible someday. If you are not pregnant at this time, you should actively undergo fertility tests and treatments."
One of the main reasons for the increase in infertile couples is the social tendency to delay marriage and childbirth. According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, as of 2022, the age of first marriage was 34 years for men and 31.5 years for women, and the average age of giving birth to their first child was 33.6 years. In particular, the fertility rate of women in their 40s is more than twice that of women in their early 20s.
Professor Kim Yong-jin emphasized that "the delay in the birth age is the main cause of the increase in infertility and elderly pregnancy", and that "a policy response is needed because it is directly related to the low birth rate problem".
◇ Women's fertility plummeted after the age of 35...Male infertility increases rapidly
Women's fertility peaks in their mid-20s and decreases rapidly after the age of 35. According to a survey by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, one in three women with first marriage age 35 or older experienced infertility. As of 2022, women aged 35-39 account for 39.2% of all infertile treatment women, and the infertility rate of women in their 40s is also constantly increasing.
Professor Kim Yong-jin said, `Aged pregnancies increase health risks and infertility at the same time,' adding, `Prevention measures for preservation of fertility, such as embryos and egg freezing, are also becoming more and more important options", he explained. Subsequently, it is necessary to consider freezing embryos if there is a spouse, sperm if there is no spouse, and egg freezing as a way to prepare for infertility that may occur when planning pregnancy after the age of childbearing age in the future," he added.
Infertility is not just a problem for women. Recently, male infertility has also emerged as an important cause. Typical causes include insufficient sperm count, decreased motility, and varicose veins.
Professor Kim said that "male factors affect a large part of infertile couples" and "male should also be actively tested and participated in treatment."."
◇ Step-by-step customized treatment, minimizing burden, and increasing the probability of success
The infertility treatment proceeds step by step according to the couple's condition. First, ovulation induction is performed. Drugs such as oral ovulation inducer or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are used to mature several eggs in the ovary, but natural ovulation cycles are also used without the use of drugs depending on the characteristics of the patient.
Artificial insemination (intrauterine intrauterine intrauterine intrauterine solution injection) is a method of collecting sperm with good motility and injecting them directly into the uterus to help with natural insemination, and is attempted when there is no abnormality in the fallopian tube or natural pregnancy is difficult. It is a relatively simple procedure with low physical burden to increase the success rate by inducing ovulation. However, there may be limitations if there is a problem with the fallopian tube or if the sperm count is small.
Another method is in vitro fertilization (in vitro fertilization), in which sperm and eggs are fertilized in vitro and healthy embryos are transplanted into the uterus. This procedure is effective when sperm count or motility is significantly reduced, when fallopian tube is blocked, and when genetic testing is required. In vitro baby procedures have a high success rate, but injections must often be repeated, and there may be discomfort in having to undergo egg collection procedures.
Professor Kim said, "Step-by-step treatment is to minimize the physical and economic burden and increase the probability of success." We should carefully choose the appropriate treatment method according to the couple's condition" he advised.
◇Desperate for social support and policy response
Integration treatment is accompanied by psychological stress as well as physical burden. Professor Kim said, `The success or failure of infertility treatment depends heavily on the cooperation and support of the coupleHe stressed that the attitude of communicating with each other and working together is of paramount importance.
In addition, the cost of infertility treatment is high. Preventive measures such as egg freezing are not covered by health insurance, which puts a great economic burden. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to expand the government's policy support and improve social awareness.
Professor Kim added that `The infertility problem is not a problem for the couple, but a problem that society as a whole must solve.' `Through appropriate policies and institutional support, the two goals of solving the infertility problem and raising the fertility rate can be achieved at the same time.'
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
