FACT-CHECK: Is Fertility Only A Women’s Issue?

According to the latest data, the Maldives has witnessed a significant decline in fertility rates. In many societies, including the Maldives, there exists a pervasive belief that fertility issues only concern women. However, this notion fails to capture the complexity of human reproduction and the shared responsibility between partners. 

Claim: Fertility Is An Only An Issue For Aging Women 

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FACT-CHECK: While it’s true that fertility generally declines as women age, the idea of a sudden drop at age 35 is misleading. Fertility does gradually decline starting in a woman’s late 20s, but the rate of decline varies among individuals. 

Some women may experience no significant decline until their late 30s or early 40s, while others may face challenges earlier. Moreover, research shows that approximately 40-50% of infertility cases are due to male factor infertility. Issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology can impact a man’s fertility and contribute to difficulties in conception. 

Age is just one factor affecting fertility; individual health and lifestyle also play crucial roles. As such, studies have found that older fathers put unborn children at risk, alongside the health of the partner.

Similarly, a Stanford University School of Medicine study based on a decade of data found that babies born to older fathers, typically aged 35 or above, face increased risks at birth. These risks include low birth weight, seizures, and the need for immediate ventilation after birth, with the likelihood of these outcomes rising as paternal age increases. Fathers aged 45 or older were 14% more likely to have premature babies, while those aged 50 or older had a 28% increased chance of their infant requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. 

The study also revealed a correlation between advanced paternal age and an increased risk of gestational diabetes in mothers. Lead author Michael Eisenberg stressed the importance of considering both maternal and paternal factors in assessing birth risks and informing family planning decisions. 

Infertility can stem from various factors affecting both men and women, with roughly equal contributions from each partner. Common causes of infertility include issues with sperm count or quality, ovulation disorders, fallopian tube blockages, and reproductive health conditions. Both partners should undergo fertility testing if conception proves difficult, as addressing any underlying issues is crucial for successful conception.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and high stress levels can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. Smoking, for example, can damage eggs and decrease sperm quality, while excessive alcohol intake can disrupt hormone levels. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, can positively influence fertility outcomes.

The Verdict: False

While fertility naturally decreases with age in women, the idea of a sudden decline at 35 is inaccurate, as factors like individual health and lifestyle also play significant roles. Additionally, male infertility contributes substantially to infertility cases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing and treatment for both partners. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet can also impact fertility in both men and women. In essence, fertility is not solely a women’s issue, and addressing factors affecting both partners is essential for successful conception.

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