Infertility and childlessness are increasing

Infertility and childlessness are becoming increasingly common - Nordic Surrogacy

Infertility and childlessness are becoming increasingly common in Europe. According to data from the European Union, the fertility rate in Europe has been declining since the mid-1960s.

In 2016, the average fertility rate in the EU was 1.58 children per woman, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1. This means that Europe has a “low fertility” rate, which has been linked to a number of factors, including economic, social, and cultural changes.

The number of childless women in Europe is also increasing. According to the Eurostat report, the proportion of women aged 40-44 without any children increased from 15.5% in 2004 to 19.2% in 2018. This trend is particularly pronounced in the countries with the lowest fertility rates, such as Germany, Austria, and Italy.

The reasons for infertility and childlessness in Europe vary from country to country. In some cases, it is due to a lack of access to fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination. In other cases, it is due to lifestyle choices, such as delaying marriage or parenthood until later in life.

In response to the increasing number of childless couples, some countries have implemented measures to encourage couples to have children. For example, France has implemented a “family bonus”, which provides tax credits to families with children. Similarly, Germany has introduced a “child allowance” which provides financial support to families with children.

Adoptions decreasing, IVF and surrogacy increasing

In addition to these measures, some childless couples are turning to international adoptions, IVF, and surrogacy to have children. International adoptions of children to Europe has seen a steady decline in the last few years, with the numbers dropping from an all-time high of 10,000 in 2004 to just over 4,000 in 2019 in Europe. But IVF and surrogacy are becoming more common, with the number of IVF cycles increasing by 5% between 2016 and 2018.

Overall, infertility and childlessness are becoming increasingly common in Europe. The reasons for this vary from country to country, but are generally linked to lifestyle choices, economic factors, and a lack of access to fertility treatments. In response to this, some countries have implemented measures to encourage couples to have children, while others are turning to international adoptions, IVF, and surrogacy to have children.

The infertility rate is estimated to be around 10-15%

Infertility in Europe is a growing concern, with an increasing number of couples unable to conceive or carry a child to term. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the infertility rate in Europe is estimated to be around 10-15%, with the highest rates found in the Eastern and Southern regions. While the exact causes of infertility vary from country to country, there are a number of common factors that contribute to the problem.

Age and infertility

One of the main causes of infertility in Europe is age. As women age, their fertility decreases, and this is especially true in Europe, where the average age of first-time mothers is increasing. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that women are pursuing higher education and careers before starting a family, as well as the fact that couples are waiting longer to start a family. As a result, the number of women over the age of 35 who are unable to conceive is increasing.

Lifestyle and infertility

In addition to age, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can also contribute to infertility. Smoking has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women, and alcohol consumption can also affect fertility. Obesity can also be a contributing factor, as it can lead to hormonal imbalances that can cause infertility.

Environmental factors and infertility

Environmental factors are also believed to be contributing to infertility in Europe. Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, such as those found in pesticides and industrial waste, can affect fertility. Additionally, radiation exposure, such as that from nuclear power plants, can also affect fertility.

Endometriosis and infertility

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in Europe and is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.

Women born without a uterus (MRKH) and infertility

In addition to endometriosis, some women are born without a uterus, which can also lead to infertility. This condition, known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKH), affects around 1 in 4,500 females. Women with MRKH are born without a uterus, cervix, and/or upper portion of the vagina, making it impossible for them to conceive naturally.

Stress and infertility

Finally, stress is believed to be a contributing factor to infertility in Europe. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances that can lead to infertility, and it can also lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and drinking, which can further contribute to infertility.

Endometriosis and MRKH are two of the leading causes of infertility

Women with endometriosis often experience difficulty in becoming pregnant due to the presence of the extra tissue and scarring. The scarring can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from being released and fertilized. Endometriosis can also affect the quality of the eggs, making them less likely to be fertilized.

In Europe, the prevalence of infertility due to endometriosis and MRKH is difficult to accurately estimate due to the lack of reliable data.

However, a study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2017 reported that endometriosis was the cause of infertility in 21% of all women seeking fertility treatments. In Germany, a study conducted in 2018 found that endometriosis was the cause of infertility in 18% of women.

Overall, endometriosis and MRKH are two of the leading causes of infertility in Europe. While the exact numbers are difficult to estimate, it is clear that these conditions are having a significant impact on women’s ability to conceive. It is important to raise awareness of these conditions and provide support and resources to those affected. With the right treatment and support, many women with endometriosis or MRKH can still become pregnant and have successful pregnancies.

Surrogacy as an option to have a child

Infertile couples in Europe are increasingly turning to surrogacy as an option to have a child. Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries and delivers a baby for another couple or individual. The surrogate mother is typically a friend or family member of the couple, although there are also agencies that specialize in finding surrogates. In some cases, the couple may also use an egg donor to provide an egg for the surrogate mother to carry.

10,000 surrogacy arrangements in Europe each year

Surrogacy is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, and it is estimated that there are around 10,000 surrogacy arrangements in Europe each year. Despite the increasing popularity of surrogacy, it is still a controversial issue, and the laws surrounding it vary from country to country. In some countries, surrogacy is illegal, while in others, it is allowed but highly regulated.

In conclusion, infertility in Europe is a growing concern, with an increasing number of couples unable to conceive or carry a child to term. The causes of infertility vary from country to country, but the most common factors include age, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, and stress. Infertile couples in Europe are increasingly turning to surrogacy as an option to have a child, although the laws surrounding it vary from country to country.