50+ Infertility statistics, projections, and treatment

Did you know that 1 in 7 couples face infertility? Read our infertility statistics article that examines the treatments, and hopeful solutions.

One out of seven couples encounters infertility issues.¹

Although previously considered taboo, more individuals openly discuss it to gain knowledge and potential remedies.

This article provides the latest infertility statistics, market growth within the industry and successful methods of treatment.

Dr. Jane Frederick, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, mentions that infertility is not indicative of personal shortcomings but rather an ailment that needs medical treatment. Dr. Frederick further emphasises the availability of various options ranging from lifestyle adjustments to sophisticated medical procedures for couples who encounter challenges in conceiving.

Key infertility statistics

Approximately 17.5% of the global adult population suffers from infertility.²
The United Nations predicts that the worldwide fertility rate will decrease to 2.4 births per woman by 2030 and further decline to 2.2 births per woman in 2050.⁷
Approximately 85% of couples can conceive within their initial year of attempting.⁴
The expenses related to infertility treatment can vary between $5,000 and $73,000.⁴
On average, females start experiencing a significant decrease in natural fertility at age 35. The optimal reproductive years for women are during their twenties, as by the time they reach 40, there is less than a 5% chance per cycle of conceiving naturally.³
Although important for certain patients, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and similar therapies account for less than 3% of infertility services and roughly 0.07% of healthcare expenses in the U.S.³
According to fertility specialists, approximately 30% of infertility cases they encounter are attributed exclusively to women, another 30% solely to men, and about 30% is a result of both partners' issues. In comparison, the cause remains obscured at only 10%.³
Illustrating the considerable need for effective infertility treatments, it's estimated that roughly 10% of women aged 15 to 44 in the U.S. experience difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.⁸
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is expected to affect 8-13% in various countries, such as the U.S., China, India, and Australia, by this year's end. Consequently, an increase in prescriptions of medication, along with heightened awareness among women, will likely contribute towards market growth for PCOS treatments.²¹

Global infertility statistics

Infertility has diverse causes that are affected by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in different regions.

In developed nations, late parenthood and personal choices significantly contribute to infertility issues, whereas untreated medical ailments and infections are the major contributors in developing countries.

Hence, recognizing these various implications of fertility is vital for devising effective strategies to address this global issue among demographics worldwide.

The lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low—and middle-income countries.²
35% of couples facing conception difficulties do not label their situation as infertility.⁴
The cause of fertility problems is unknown to 25% of couples.⁴
On average, each woman in the U.S. gives birth to 1.7 children.¹³
In the EU in 2022, there were approximately 1.46 live births per woman, which has shown a decline from the previous year.¹⁴
Infertility affects 5-44% of couples in developing countries.¹⁵

Low fertility rates are prevalent in 46% of countries worldwide. Intermediate fertility is observed in an additional 46%, while the remaining 8% exhibit high fertility levels.⁷

"Low fertility rates are indeed prevalent in 46% of countries worldwide, a trend that underscores significant shifts in global reproductive behaviour," says Dr. John Bongaarts, Vice President of the Population Council. "Socioeconomic changes such as increased urbanisation, higher levels of education, and greater workforce participation by women often accompany this pattern of low fertility. Despite the fertility levels, they are often linked to limited access to contraception and cultural factors that favour larger families. These diverse fertility patterns present unique challenges and opportunities for policy-making and resource allocation."

Infertility market growth statistics

The industry of infertility treatments is experiencing a significant surge, with the worldwide Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) market slated to hit $6.3 billion by 2028.⁹

This substantial growth can be attributed to increased awareness regarding fertility solutions, advancements in medical technology and an uptick in couples seeking assistance.

Although it is commonly misunderstood that women bear the most responsibility for conception issues, studies prove men contribute equally.

With a 41% market share, ART has emerged as a potent force in the Infertility Services Market, promising significant growth and innovation.⁵
According to projections, the Global Infertility Services Market will experience a significant increase in value, reaching approximately $3.8 billion by 2033 from its current valuation of $1.7 billion in 2023. This growth is anticipated at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2024 and 2033.⁵
In 2023, the worldwide market for infertility drugs had a worth of $3.⁷ million and is anticipated to grow to $6.8 million by 2033, with an expected CAGR of 6.3% between 2023-2033.⁶
The expenses related to infertility treatment can vary between $10,000 and $30,000.¹⁶
Equipment is crucial in Infertility Services, claiming an extensive market share of 58%.⁵
Fertility Centers reign supreme in the patient-type sector, boasting a 61% market share and defining the industry landscape.⁵
The North American market for fertility treatments boasts a significant revenue of $78 million, mainly due to one provider's commanding share of 46.2%.⁵

Market players will be introducing new medications to treat infertility. One example is Oxolife, which develops OXO-001 – a first-in-class product still in its development phase, to enhance embryo binding by increasing its affinity with the uterus lining.

Projected to expand at a CAGR of 8%, the global infertility treatment market is anticipated to grow from its current valuation of $1.75 billion in 2023 and reach an estimated value of $3.78 billion by 2033.⁶

This is interesting, considering that the increasing trend of utilising stem cell therapies to address male infertility appears to be expanding the limits of treatment for this condition.⁶

"Stem cell therapies represent a groundbreaking approach to male infertility, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered treatable. As research advances, we are witnessing a significant shift in the potential to restore fertility in men who previously had limited options. This trend offers hope and paves the way for innovative treatments that could revolutionize reproductive medicine," according to Dr. Michael Anderson, Reproductive Endocrinologist at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility.

In 2023, the worldwide market for women's health had a worth of $40.1 billion; however, it is expected to increase and hit $65.32 billion by 2033 with an annual CAGR of roughly 5% from 2023-2033.⁶

The increasing trend of developing new fertility treatments is reflected in the favorable policies implemented by governments globally to enhance women's health.⁶

By 2023, the Gonadotropins (hormones that stimulate the activity of the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males)) Segment is projected to make up the most considerable portion of market profits, with a revenue share amounting to 40.1%.⁶
The cost of chorionic gonadotropin injections without insurance is approximately $397.83, whereas insured individuals pay almost $304.76 per injection.⁶

Did you know that chorionic gonadotropin injections (hCG) are often called the "trigger shot" during fertility treatments? Dr. Sarah Johnson, a fertility specialist at Cleveland Clinic, explains, “Chorionic gonadotropin injections, commonly referred to as the 'trigger shot,' play a crucial role in fertility treatments such as IUI and IVF.

These injections mimic the function of luteinizing hormone (LH), which naturally triggers ovulation. By administering hCG, we can precisely time the maturation and release of eggs, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy. The precision in timing is critical, as it allows us to coordinate procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or egg retrieval in IVF within a 36-40 hour window after the injection.”

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is expected to affect 8-13% in various countries, such as the U.S., China, India, and Australia, by this year's end. Consequently, an increase in prescriptions of medication, along with heightened awareness among women, will likely contribute towards market growth for PCOS treatments.²¹
In 2023, North America held a 35% share of the infertility drugs market thanks to successful product launches and consumer adoption.⁶
By 2033, the projected worth of infertility drugs in Germany is estimated to be $385.5 million.⁶
A growth rate of 4.8% is projected for India.⁶

The infertility treatment devices and equipment market is projected to experience a CAGR of 9.10% from 2022 to 2029, soaring from $125 million in 2021 to an estimated value of $250 million by 2029 year-end.⁷

The growing global market for infertility drugs is mainly fueled by the trend of late parenthood. This has led to an increase in infertility cases, especially in Europe and some Asian countries such as Japan where couples are opting to have children at older ages.

The rise in demand for fertility treatments worldwide runs counter to the natural fertile window, owing to various reasons, such as, availability of contraceptive methods, higher education and urban living - factors that result in a delay in childbearing age as well as declining birth rates.

Women today also tend to prioritise their careers over starting families which can lead them into experiencing reproductive health difficulties eventually requiring medical interventions such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) medications or opting for ART procedures like In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Causes of infertility statistics

The inclination towards alternative forms of infertility treatment hinders the global infertility market growth. The preference shift to methods like ART poses a significant challenge and competition for this sector.

In first-world countries, couples experiencing conception issues are more inclined to opt for ART as their go-to solution, IVF being among its most favoured treatments. Other commonly used modes include artificial insemination (IUI).

Dr. Jane Frederick, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director at HRC Fertility, shares, "ART has become the go-to solution for many couples facing infertility issues. Among the various ART methods, IVF remains the most favoured treatment due to its high success rates and the ability to address a wide range of infertility causes. IVF allows us to bypass several barriers to conception by directly fertilizing the egg outside the body and then implanting the embryo into the uterus. This approach not only increases the chances of pregnancy but also provides the opportunity for genetic screening, ensuring healthier pregnancies and reducing the risk of genetic disorders."

On average, females start experiencing a significant decrease in natural fertility at age 35. The optimal reproductive years for women are during their twenties, as by the time they reach 40, there is less than a 5% chance per cycle of conceiving naturally.³
According to fertility specialists, approximately 30% of infertility cases they encounter are attributed exclusively to women, another 30% solely to men, and about 30% is a result of both partners' issues. In comparison, the cause remains obscured at only 10%.³
Over one-third of women who suffer from infertility are affected by tubal factors, such as blocked tubes caused by endometriosis or infection and issues that impact the peritoneum - which is the lining covering both their pelvis and abdomen.³
Ovulation-related issues are responsible for a significant portion of female infertility cases, with one-fourth attributed to this cause. It is considered one of the prevalent reasons behind an inability to conceive.³
A sperm count of more than 40 million indicates good health, while counts less than or equal to 10 million are considered low. However, men whose sperm counts lie within the range between 10 and 40 million could still be able to bring about pregnancy if their sperm exhibit excellent movement (motility) and shape (morphology).³

Psychiatric symptoms were reported by as many as 25-60% of infertile individuals, with anxiety and depression levels significantly higher than those observed in fertile individuals.¹⁷
Depression is experienced by almost 41% of women who are unable to conceive.¹⁸
Anxiety is present in nearly 87% of women who experience infertility.¹⁹
In a 2016 NCBI publication, it was found that around 10-20% of women who use fertility drugs could experience mild Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS - an exaggerated response to excess hormones). Typically, this type of OHSS will subside independently and does not require treatment. For severe cases, only 1% of patients are affected.⁶

This is an important factor to consider when obtaining fertility treatments.

Dr. Serena Chen, Director of the Division of Reproductive Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, shared, "Fertility drugs play a crucial role in infertility treatment by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of conception. While these medications are generally safe and effective, they can have side effects such as bloating, mood swings, and OHSS in some cases. Patients must be closely monitored by their healthcare provider to minimise risks and manage adverse effects effectively. Overall, fertility drugs have helped countless couples achieve their dream of parenthood by enhancing the success rates of treatments like IVF."

Successful methods of treatment for infertility statistics

Roughly 10% of women aged 15 to 44 in the U.S. experience difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.⁸ Medical science has made remarkable leaps forward in this field and now provides various proven solutions tailored to target underlying causes.

Thanks to assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, fertility drugs, and lifestyle adjustments suitable for simple cases, there are numerous paths couples can take when navigating their options.

Medical therapies like drug treatment, surgical repair of reproductive organs, and assisted reproduction techniques such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can treat almost 90% of cases of infertility.³
Losing between 5% to 10% of body weight has been shown to significantly improve ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with obesity, who may also be at higher risk for miscarriage and experience lower success rates with fertility treatments.³
Although important for certain patients, IVF and similar therapies account for less than 3% of infertility services and roughly 0.07% of healthcare expenses in the U.S.³
Combining PGT-A with IVF can increase success rates to approximately 60%.³

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) involves examining embryos generated through IVF to verify chromosome counts. Proper chromosome numbers are critical for the healthy development of babies. PGT-A targets selection based on identifying normal chromosomal populations, thereby enhancing pregnancy success rates and diminishing possibilities related to genetic disorders or miscarriage.

Fertility expert Dr. Randy Morris highlights the advantages of using PGT-A and IVF. He elaborates that PGT-A assists in evaluating embryos for chromosome defects before implantation, consequently raising chances of a successful pregnancy outcome leading to healthy childbirths. By selecting chromosomally sound embryos, this technique minimizes miscarriage risk along with genetic issues, thereby potentially reducing requisite cycles of IVF procedures needed for conception success.

A study conducted on women seeking fertility treatment revealed that 4% resorted to the use of medications alone. In comparison, 21%, 53%, and 22% opted for IUI and IVF and did not continue with cycle-based treatments, respectively.²⁰

Since 2020, there have been significant advancements in successful methods of treating infertility that provide renewed hope for many couples. IVF is one such method that boasts a success rate of up to 40% for women under 35. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) techniques further enhance outcomes by addressing male infertility and genetic concerns, respectively.

Fertility drugs like clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins are also proving highly effective in stimulating ovulation. It's crucial to develop personalised treatment plans tailored explicitly to each couple's unique circumstances, including factors such as age, cause(s) contributing towards infertility issues, & overall health condition; this significantly increases their chances of getting pregnant successfully.

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Frequently asked questions

Q1. What is infertility?

Infertility is the inability to conceive. It’s a medical condition affecting the reproductive system and hinders one of the essential functions of human biology—procreation. ¹⁰

Q2. Is infertility common?

Around 10%-15% of couples experience infertility, making it a prevalent condition for individuals aged between 20 and 45. The likelihood of conceiving without medical intervention decreases as time passes when attempting to get pregnant.

Roughly 85% of couples with typical fertility will conceive within the first year of trying; this probability progressively lowers each passing month if they fail to become pregnant during that period. This reduction is more significant among older women who attempt conception past their prime reproductive years.¹⁰

Q3. When do you seek medical assistance caused by infertility?

Examinations may be required when a couple fails to conceive for no apparent reason. Women's options entail scrutinising their basal body temperature and ovulation patterns and inspecting their fallopian tubes and uterus via ultrasound, an X-ray test or laparoscopic examination. In contrast, men usually undergo semen analysis as an initial diagnostic measure.¹⁰

Q4. What increases a woman's risk of infertility?

A decrease in female fertility is a well-known phenomenon caused by:

The reason why fertility declines with age is mainly due to the deterioration of egg quality as time passes. Women who are older possess fewer eggs and may experience medical conditions that can interfere with their fertility. Additionally, ageing heightens a woman's likelihood of experiencing both miscarriage and having offspring impacted by genetic abnormalities.
Tobacco consumption.
The repeated and intense consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Experiencing excess weight, obesity, or inadequate body mass.
Significant weight gain or loss.
Amenorrhea, which is the absence of periods, can be caused by extreme levels of physical or emotional stress.¹¹

Q5. What causes infertility in men?

Impaired testicular or ejaculatory function and hormonal and genetic disorders are factors that can lead to male infertility. Typically, a semen analysis, comprehensive medical history review, and physical examination are conducted to assess if these male factors contribute to the inability to conceive.

A specialist examines the concentration, movement (motility), and shape (morphology) of sperm during a semen analysis. An expert analyses the assessment results. Even if there is a slight abnormality in the sample, it does not necessarily imply infertility for men.¹¹