I'm a doctor... here are the surprising reasons America is facing a fertility crisis
The US is facing a fertility crisis as the number of new babies born each year continued to decline as women are waiting later than ever to have children. As of 2024, the total fertility rate is 1.6 children per woman in the US or 1,626.5 births per 1,000 women - a sharp decline from 66.3 live births per 1,000 women in 2004. Parents-to-be are also having more trouble getting pregnant as experts say that an increasing number of people are looking at IVF solutions and surrogacy to have children. Globally, approximately 17.5 percent of adults of all genders or roughly one in six people, experience infertility, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, about nine percent of men and about 11 percent of women of reproductive age in the US have experienced fertility problems. Apart from women deciding to have children later in life, experts also believe that worsening mental health, exposure to toxins in the environment and hormonal imbalances are also contributing to the declining birth rate. Now, fertility experts have told DailyMail.com what women can do to improve their reproductive health, as the NIH projects 7million women are expected to experience infertility in 2025. The National Institute of Health estimates that over seven million American women are expected to experience infertility this yearAccording to Dr Jessica Sharratt, an expert in Oriental Medicine and founder of Heal Los Angeles, an increase in chemicals in the environment, as well as worsening lifestyle habits may be to blame. She told DailyMail.com: 'While there are so many factors contributing to rising infertility in women, the ones that feel most significant - and most overlooked - are toxic exposures and chronic nervous system dysregulation. Pictured: Dr Jamie Stanhiser'We’ve made huge strides in raising awareness about environmental toxins, but the impact on fertility is still wildly underestimated. 'We’re swimming in a sea of synthetic chemicals — pesticides on our food, plastics in our water, hormone-disrupting ingredients in our skincare and "clean" beauty products. 'These exposures don’t cause an immediate twinge, which is part of the problem. You don’t feel it when you swipe on deodorant or eat produce sprayed with glyphosate — but that doesn’t mean your body isn’t responding. 'These chemicals build up quietly over time, especially in fatty tissues and reproductive organs, and they interfere with the delicate hormonal symphony required for ovulation, implantation, and full-term pregnancy.'A 2017 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found women who consume more than two servings of high-pesticide fruits or vegetables - which include strawberries, grapes and kale - each day were 18 percent less likely to become pregnant and 26 percent less likely to have a live birth than women with the lowest exposure. The researchers asked 325 women undergoing infertility treatment as part of the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study to answer questions about their regular diet. They then compared the information with US government data on average pesticide residues on fresh fruits and vegetables in order to estimate the women’s diet-related exposure to pesticides.
Additionally, Dr Jamie Stanhiser, a fertility expert at the Reproductive Partners Fertility Center in San Diego, believes reproductive conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), stress and anxiety may also be to blame. She told the website: 'Health conditions such as obesity, PCOS, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases are increasing. All of these disorders are associated with an increased risk of infertility.'PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and causes the ovaries to produce higher than normal levels of androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances.This can often lead to irregular periods and infertility.Dr Stanhiser added: 'People are experiencing increased stress without also increasing their healthy stress management techniques. Read More US fertility rates slump by 2% in a year to lowest on record, with 1.62 births per woman in 2023 'Health disorders including anxiety and depression are increasing significantly in the United States and can increase the risk of infertility while also interfering with an individual or couple’s ability to seek fertility treatment. 'The relationship between mental health and fertility is bidirectional, meaning that infertility is very hard to experience and therefore can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.'Previous studies have shown a link between mental issues such as depression, anxiety and severe stress and infertility in women. A 2024 literature review that analyzed over 3,000 studies noted that out of 100 infertile and 100 fertile women in Pakistan, 29 percent with infertility had severe stress. The review also found there was a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with infertility compared with fertile control groups in Hungary and Pakistan. Male infertility has also been on the rise as studies show it affects about 10 to 15 percent of American men who are trying to conceive. This can be due to a variety of reasons including grief, depression, low sperm count, swollen veins in the testicles, genetic disorders and chemotherapy. With the US facing a fertility 'crisis,' doctors also revealed their recommendations to improve fertility in women. According to Dr Jamie Knopman, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and director of fertility preservation at CCRM Fertility of New York, following a Mediterranean diet - filled with fruits, grains, nuts and fish - as well as exercising regularly can make a big difference. Doctors have also revealed their best recommended ways to improve fertility in women She said: 'For food, I recommend a balanced, healthy diet - a plate that is colorful and has foods from all different groups. I don’t like fad diets and think they are not helpful for the body or one’s fertility.'I am a fan of the Mediterranean diet because it has been demonstrated to lower inflammation, and inflammation can contribute to infertility.'The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats including vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, whole grains, fish, extra virgin olive oil and nuts. It can help maintain health, as well as keep the body well nourished. 'For exercise, I am a big fan of moving your body – movement really is medicine. That is why I never tell patients to stop exercising while going through fertility treatment. Pictured: Dr. Jaime Knopman'I always tell patients you can strength train, ride the stationary bike, walk on a treadmill on an incline, and more while undergoing fertility treatments.'Furthermore, Dr Elizabeth King, a certified fertility expert at her namesake clinic in Irvine, California, recommends eating an anti-inflammatory diet and learning how to regulate your nervous system. She told this website: 'Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Do a food sensitivity test to know what you need to avoid that may be causing inflammation, as well as following a traditional anti-inflammatory diet. 'Organic fruits and vegetables combined with lean proteins and healthy fats can fight oxidative stress by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants. 'Learn to regulate your nervous system by figuring out a practice that works for you, like meditation, yoga, prayer, exercise, or dance, and make sure you are getting good sleep.' Additionally, about nine percent of of men and about 11 percent of women of reproductive age in the US have experienced fertility problems
However, for those looking to seek consults with fertility experts and opt for the fertility treatment in-vitro fertilization, Dr Iris Insogna of the Columbia University Fertility Center suggests: 'For heterosexual couples, if the female partner is under the age of 35, it is important to seek an evaluation with a fertility specialist if you have not conceived on your own within 12 months of trying. 'If the female partner is 35 or older, it is important to seek an evaluation with a fertility specialist if you have not conceived within six months of trying. 'For same sex couples, single parents by choice, or women over 40, it is reasonable to consult a fertility specialist at any time.' Dr Knopman added: 'Throughout any fertility journey it’s important to be kind to yourself. A lot of people take these recommendations and think, "I am not getting pregnant because I had a glass of rosé or ate French fries." Not only is that attitude unhelpful, it’s also wrong.'
