opinion: these fertility myths could be getting in the way of your family planning
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whether you’re just starting to think about having children or have been trying for a while, fertility specialists are here to guide you through your options.
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as we embark on canadian fertility awareness week, it’s a great time to reflect on the ongoing myths surrounding family planning. we collaborated with clinics across the country to conduct an angus reid survey, and the insights are promising: canadians are more informed about fertility than ever before. however, some misconceptions persist, holding people back from fully understanding and taking control of their reproductive health. let’s break down a few of these myths.
infertility is not just a women’s issue
as a fertility specialist, one of the most pervasive myths i encounter is the idea that fertility is primarily a women’s issue. the good news is that awareness is changing. according to our survey, 65 per cent of canadians now understand that infertility affects both men and women equally.
here is the reality—about one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, another third to female factors and the remaining cases are unexplained or a combination of both. if you’re trying to conceive, it’s essential that both partners consult a fertility specialist.
the fertility wake-up call: 40 is not the new 30
canadians are increasingly having children later in life, according to statistics canada. so is 40 the new 30?
in order to assess when canadians are family planning, it’s critical to also look at conception timelines. more than half of canadians in our survey correctly said it can take up to six months, and 83 per cent expected it to take up to a year. this aligns with scientific findings, which show that about 75 per cent of couples will conceive within six months.
while many canadians have success with conception, fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important as the average age of parenting increases to 36 years old. fertility preservation isn’t just a medical option; it’s a lifeline. preserving your fertility, and ability to have children on your own timeline, especially as you face the realities of age, is key. fertility preservation can give you more choices.
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egg freezing, as an example, can help give you some control of your fertility, enabling you to take more time to family plan. there are three main reasons why canadians might want to consider egg freezing: egg and age health, egg quality and egg quantity. from a scientific perspective, these three fertility factors are important reasons to consider when considering elective egg freezing.
egg freezing is an option to help extend your reproductive window if you’re not ready to have children yet. our survey revealed that almost half of canadians believe family planning conversations should begin between the ages of 25 and 30, which is promising. however, egg quality begins to decline around age 32 and drops more sharply after 37. freezing your eggs at a younger age gives you better odds in the future, giving you peace of mind when it comes time to start your family.
the importance of ongoing education
the angus reid survey shows that we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to fertility awareness, but there’s still work to be done. my advice to anyone considering their family’s future is simple: seek support, ask questions and don’t be afraid to take control of your fertility.
whether you’re just starting to think about having children or have been trying for a while, fertility specialists are here to guide you through your options. if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, or simply want to be proactive, consider booking a consultation.
your future family is worth planning for, and taking that first step can make all the difference down the road.
dr. ghadeer akbar is a double board certified obgyn and fertility specialist at grace fertility.
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