CHICAGO, April 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a national survey consisting of women ages 25-45 without children in the United States conducted by Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI), approximately 89 percent agree that infertility education should be mentioned at an Ob/Gyn visit while 79 percent feel this information should be included in sex education classes.
Currently, fertility education is not a component of school curriculum for sex education. The physician conversation regarding infertility is generally started through patient inquiry.
When survey respondents were asked if they knew that it is common to get pregnant after 35, but after 35, ovarian reserve (egg supply) declines, miscarriage rates increase and pregnancy is considered high-risk, approximately 48 percent have heard of this a little or not at all.
Half of the women (51 percent) surveyed would like to have children someday. When women over 35 were asked if they would have made different life choices if they had known about infertility at a younger age, 52 percent stated that they would have.
According to the CDC, one in eight couples experience infertility issues and 7.4 million women have received infertility services.
“The survey results show that women overwhelmingly are in favor of learning more about their fertility potential,” states Dr. John Rapisarda of Fertility Centers of Illinois. “While the ongoing national infertility conversation in recent years has helped to build awareness, we need to start these conversations earlier so women and couples can make informed decisions before fertility declines.”
During National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) on April 24-30, FCI is sharing fertility information materials with hundreds of Chicagoland Ob/Gyn physicians and has contacted the Illinois State Board of Education to advocate for fertility education in high school sex education curriculum.
To help others understand their fertility potential, FCI is sharing a Fertility Quiz to test basic knowledge and hosting several free events and webinars to educate on the topic of infertility and trying to conceive. Fertility Awareness Checkup appointments booked during NIAW are free ($90 value). Support, resources and information are also available from RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. All information is available at http://fcionline.com/niaw.
National Infertility Awareness Week: Events, Webinars, Promotions
Free Fertility Awareness Checkup: All Fertility Awareness Checkup appointments booked during NIAW will be free ($90 value). The checkup includes blood tests and an ultrasound for women and a semen analysis for men. A doctor consultation must be booked separately. Schedule a free Fertility Awareness Checkup by calling 877.324.4483.
Register for the free events listed below and learn further event details at FCIonline.com. For any questions, call 877.324.4483.
Saturday, April 23rd 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Yoga for Fertility - Seminar
Pulling Down the Moon - 770 N. LaSalle St. Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60654
Monday, April 25th 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Egg Donation: Your Journey Starts Here – Webinar
Tuesday, April 26th 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Cracking the Door to Adoption - Seminar
Fertility Centers of Illinois - 3703 West Lake Ave. Suite 106 Glenview, IL 60026
Wednesday, April 27th 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Yoga, Meditation and Conception – Webinar
Thursday, April 28th 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Making Embryos in the Lab: Day-by-Day Journey - Seminar
Fertility Centers of Illinois 900 North Kingsbury, River Walk 6 Chicago, IL 60610
Survey Research Methodology: This survey consists of 1,208 interviews with women ages 25-45 without children in the United States. The survey was hosted online, with participants recruited from multiple web-based recruiting panels. The overall survey carries a margin of error of +2.8% at the 95% confidence level, which is higher for subgroups of analysis. The survey was conducted March 4-9, 2016.
Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) is one of the leading fertility treatment practices in the United States, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services for over 30 years with more than 35,000 babies born. FCI physicians, embryologists and support staff are stringently chosen based on educational background, medical skills and their ability to collaborate. With a team of 11 nationally and internationally recognized physicians who treat thousands of patients each year, the practice has earned a reputation for overcoming hard-to-solve fertility issues. FCI is dedicated to medical and clinical excellence and continues to invest in the latest technologies and research. FCI offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options including intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, donor egg, gestational carrier and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as well as extensive resources to address financial and emotional needs. As the premier fertility practice in the Midwest region, Fertility Centers of Illinois has 10 offices serving patients in the Chicagoland region, northern Indiana, and southern Wisconsin. Learn more by calling 877-324-4483 or visiting www.fcionline.com.