Survey reveals Kiwi women's fertility concerns

An online survey conducted by Good Health magazine, to establish New Zealand women’s views on fertility, has revealed some surprising results*.

The key problems New Zealand women said they encountered while trying to conceive were Endometriosis/Polycystic Ovarian (32%), unexplained infertility (31%), recurrent miscarriage (20%), age (16%), and male fertility issues (16%).

93% of Kiwi women agree more should be done to promote ways to improve fertility, and 63% have friends and family who have experienced fertility issues. Women surveyed also believed there should be more promotion around alternatives to IVF (92%) and 36% said they would consider helping infertile couples through egg donation.

Other key factors which Kiwi women believed influenced infertility, included: weight (60%), lifestyle (52%), genetics (50%), diet and food (49%), and smoking (47%).

The cost of IVF was also a concern with 82% saying IVF was too expensive, 37% said it should be free to people fitting a certain criteria and 31% that it should be partially funded.

Good Health editor Pamela Marker says that women of all ages shouldn't take fertility for granted. "Our survey results, along with a comprehensive report and heartfelt real-life stories, show today's reality of fertility in New Zealand," she says. "With the expertise of Fertility Associates, we uncover options for those who are struggling to conceive, and ways to ensure your baby has the best start in life - this is a must-read for every New Zealand woman."

For full survey results see Good Health April issue on sale Monday 19th March.