A study carried out by Cork University Maternity Hospital has revealed the under 34s overestimate their ability to conceive
The study entitled An Investigation into Fertility Awareness, was aimed to discover the knowledge and attitudes towards fertility and was published in the Irish Medical Journal.
It is the first of its kind to survey the knowledge and attitudes of an Irish child-bearing population towards fertility and assisted reproductive technology(ART).
Respondents were predominantly aged under 25 (44 percent) while 24 percent were aged 30 to 34.
Of the 480 people surveyed, 71 percent were women and 29 percent were men.
It showed that 75 percent felt that IVF is 30 to 60 percent effective, with no significant gender differences. Forty-eight percent believe fertility assistance should be sought after one year for people below the age of 35.
Women were more likely to think that the age of a man is an important factor affecting a couple’s fertility while they were more likely to believe the total cost of one IVF cycle was under 6,000 euros.
Under half of the people who responded (48 percent) believed individuals should seek treatment after one year of trying to conceive under the age of 35.
The study co-authors said: “This study supports international findings of gaps in understanding and awareness. Although knowledge regarding lifestyle factors and fertility is strong, discrepancies in individuals’ perception of fertility, ART, and its success remain.
“The population studied were young and well-educated. Despite potentially posing limitations, it could be argued that it is younger people who need to most education regarding these topics. Notable results included significant differences in perceptions of IVF cost, success of egg freezing, and decline in sperm quality.”
The authors concluded that the results obtained from these groups provide information regarding the educational needs dependent on life stage.
Did you know all about your fertility timeline in your 20s and 30s? What knowledge did you have about reproduction, other than the family planning talk you were given at school?
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