Louise Louise Louise

Some fertility facts to consider:

• The natural fertility rate is only 20%

Mother Nature’s natural fertility rate is only about 20% per month for a healthy, fertile 30-year-old woman. That means that for every 100 fertile 30-year-old women trying to get pregnant in one cycle, 20 will be successful and the other 80 will have to try again.

• Fertility begins to decline at about 35 years old

Thirty-five is the average age of females when their natural fertility begins to show a marked decline. A woman’s best reproductive years are in her 20s. By age 40, a woman’s natural chance of pregnancy is less than 5% per cycle.

• 30/30/30/10 ratios define who is to blame

Fertility experts agree that, on average, 30% of the cases of infertility they see can be attributed solely to the female, 30% solely to the male, 30% a combination of both partners, and in 10% of cases the cause is unknown.

• 35% of infertility in women is due to damaged fallopian tubes

For women experiencing infertility, over one-third can trace their problem back to tubal factors. This includes blocked tubes due to infection or endometriosis, plus factors affecting the peritoneum (lining of the pelvis and abdomen), all fall under this category.

• 25% of infertility in women is linked to ovulation

Another quarter of all women having trouble conceiving can link their infertility to problems with ovulation, making it one of the most common causes of infertility.

• 60% of women who have miscarriages will be able to have a healthy pregnancy

Recurring miscarriages and pregnancy loss may indicate underlying problems for women trying to conceive. However, 60% of women who experience recurring miscarriages go on to have healthy pregnancies and births without further treatment.

Black Women & Infertility

• Studies suggest that Black women may be twice as likely as white women to have fertility problems but are far less likely to seek or receive infertility treatment.
• Many Black women facing infertility say they face an uphill battle in getting care. Challenges include not having insurance that covers the cost of infertility services, a lack of Black sperm and egg donors, prejudice from physicians, and feelings of shame and isolation. Those who do seek care can find themselves feeling deeply uncomfortable in a medical space that is overwhelmingly white.