Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Various factors are said to be behind both male and female infertility, such as genetic and environmental factors among others. However, many scientists have noted that in recent times the fertility crisis has further deepened, with many industrialized countries facing below replacement level declines in birth rates. Many authorities and researchers across the world are attempting to tackle the issues of low fertility.
In 2020, 1 in 3 IVF cycles undertaken by couples attempting to conceive was a result of male infertility or a mix of male and female infertility, as indicated in a new study by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) medical researchers. The primary factor for the male infertility was unclear in more than 75 % of cases. Prior vasectomy was the reason for IVF in 7 % of cycles attempted for male infertility, while 2.4 % used assisted reproductive technology, following cancer treatments for male partners.
Professor Luk Rombauts, who is President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand said: “The fact that over 75 per cent of male factor is ‘unknown’ reflects our lack of understanding of the reasons for poor semen quality. It highlights the need for further research and education in the determination of the causes. It’s quite likely that genetic studies will reveal new risk factors that can lead to male infertility.”
The Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) gathered data and reported on the causes of male infertility for couples undergoing IVF for the first time. In addition, there are further details on the types of patients undergoing IVF and more details about pre-implantation genetic testing and causes of freezing eggs to preserve future fertility.
Many social factors also have impacted the decline in fertility where many governments around the world have offered incentives to increase the birth rate. Low fertility due the medical reasons may get the boost with research and many modern data analytics that can more precisely predict causes.
