Private MD News

Young people overestimate fertility

Category: Infertitlity Hormone Testing

Couples are increasingly delaying marriage and children in order to pursue education and economic stability. However, a new study indicates that many young people may not fully understand the implications of these decisions on their ability to conceive naturally. FSH testing may be needed to help people realize the extent of their fertility.

Brennan Peterson, a researcher from Chapman University, said that many people believe that they will be able to conceive naturally into their late 30s. However, by this point, fertility generally declines rapidly, making it difficult to conceive.

Peterson surveyed a group of undergraduates and found that many believed their fertility would last much longer than what is generally thought possible. The findings indicate that young people may benefit from more education on the subject of their own childbearing ability.

"They consistently overestimate the ages at which fertility declines in women, as well as their chances of success if they used fertility treatments to achieve pregnancy," Peterson said. "It is important that men and women are educated regarding fertility issues so they make informed reproductive decisions."