News release

From: The Lancet

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health: Nearly 54 million women aged 35–49 were affected by infertility in 2023, with numbers expected to climb to almost 80 million by 2036

Rates of infertility and need for fertility care are rising worldwide among women aged 35 to 49, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health journal. In 2023, about 53.6 million women in this age group were affected by infertility. The study authors also project that by 2036 the number could reach roughly 79.6 million. Care for these women can include fertility testing and assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).  

According to the study, Asia bears the highest need for fertility care, while Australasia has the lowest. Although gaps between low- and high-income regions have narrowed, the burden is moving toward high-income settings where women are more likely to delay pregnancy and pursue fertility testing and treatments. The authors say that this shift reflects broader social and economic changes, including family planning later in adulthood and greater access to fertility services in some affluent areas.

To address rising demand, the study authors call for expanding and integrating fertility services into primary health care and reducing cost barriers associated with fertility care. They also highlight the potential of innovative delivery methods, such as mobile health tools to offer equitable access to care and support for families worldwide.