Fertility statistics worldwide
Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a last year’s report published today by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility.
More women than ever are turning to the medical community for help having a baby. As much as 85% to 90% of infertility cases are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery.
- 1 in 6 individuals worldwide experience infertility.
- 12% of women experience difficulties becoming pregnant or carrying a child to term.
- 19% of all couples are unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex.
- 10% of all couples are unable to conceive after two years of unprotected sex.
- 33% of Americans have turned to fertility treatments or know someone who has.
The average age of women first having babies is on the rise:
- In 2017, birth rates dropped 12% in rural areas, 16% in small or medium metro areas, and 18% in large metro counties areas.
- That same year, the mean mother age at the time of their first birth rose by 1.3 years (rural), 1.5 years (small or medium metro), and 1.8 years (large metro).
Infertility statistics by sex are as follows:
- One-third of couples with infertility have a problem with the man.
- One-third of couples with infertility have a problem with the woman.
- One-third of couples have a mix of both.
The World Health Organization states about 60 to 80 million couples worldwide have infertility. Southern and Eastern Europe and East Asia have some of the lowest fertility rates, with 1.5 children per woman. On average, 1 in 4 couples in developing countries experiences infertility.
