Australia's fertility taboo: 81% of Aussies feel the pressure of their biological clock, but only 33% have spoken to their partner about fertility
Australians are delaying or avoiding taking proactive steps to better understand their fertility and reproductive health. However, fertility challenges are relatively common, with 8% of Australians being diagnosed with fertility issues.[3]
The research commissioned by IVFAustralia, Melbourne IVF, Queensland Fertility Group and TasIVF shows a clear disconnect between the number of Australians thinking about having children one day and the number of people who have considered their own fertility. 53% of Aussies who are planning to or actively trying to conceive have thought about baby names, but only 46% have considered whether they may be able to conceive naturally.
- Only 20% of Aussie men feel comfortable talking to their friends about fertility
- 65% of Australians have not sought a fertility assessment for reproductive health issues
- Awareness of key fertility risk factors remains lower than expected:
- Only 63% of Australians recognise that age impacts fertility
- Less than half (45%) of Australians understand the impact of reproductive health conditions like polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
- A quarter (25%) of Australians are waiting longer than the recommended 6–12 months before seeking fertility advice when they are having difficulty conceiving[4]
In response, Australia’s leading fertility clinics, IVFAustralia, Melbourne IVF, Queensland Fertility Group and TasIVF, have launched ‘The F Chat’, a campaign to get Australians talking more openly about fertility, reproductive health and family planning.
The F Chat wants to break one of society's last taboos – fertility. The campaign's video series, hosted by Australian TV personality Angie Kent, is dedicated to bringing everyone into the discussion. Each episode unites leading fertility experts with ordinary people to talk all things fertility and reproductive health, arming people with the knowledge and confidence to seek help sooner.
Angie Kent, who has spoken publicly about her own fertility struggles, said the campaign is about helping people feel less alone:
“I know first-hand that fertility worries can feel really isolating, especially when you have a reproductive health condition,” Angie said. “What surprised me while recording The F Chat was how many people were having this conversation for the very first time.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned navigating my own journey, it’s never too early to ask questions and it’s never too late to ask for support. Having The F Chat can be the first step to feeling informed, prepared and supported.”
Let's start the conversation earlier
There is a distinct lack of awareness and understanding of reproductive health and its relationship with fertility among the general public. The F Chat is encouraging Australians to have conversations sooner, share information to feel more informed and seek advice from a fertility specialist if they want to learn more or act now.
TasIVF Medical Director Dr Manuela Toledo commented: “In Tasmania, we want people to feel comfortable asking questions about fertility sooner, not later. Whether someone is thinking about having children in the future or actively trying to conceive now, understanding reproductive health is an important first step.”
Why it matters
Fertility issues affect everyone, and IVFAustralia, Melbourne IVF, Queensland Fertility Group and TasIVF's fertility experts say the lack of open discussion often means people wait too long before asking for help. The message is simple: Have The F Chat.
That means speaking openly about fertility with your partner, friends, family and fertility specialist and normalising conversations about reproductive health before problems arise.
Australians who have concerns about their fertility are being encouraged to take the first step and speak to a fertility specialist or doctor. For more information about The F Chat, and educational resources on fertility and reproductive health, visit https://www.ivf.com.au/the-f-chat.
ENDS
IVFAustralia, Melbourne IVF, Queensland Fertility Group and TasIVF are leading fertility care providers helping individuals and couples understand and take control of their reproductive health through world-class science, personalised care and education.
Media contact:
Angela Read, [email protected] +61 428 448 719
Lydia Jenkins [email protected] +61 466 424 561
[1] All Australians surveyed were aged between 25-44 years old
[2] 81% Australian women surveyed in this group were planning to have a baby one day, or were actively trying to conceive, felt the pressure of their biological clock
[3] 8% of Australians surveyed who claimed to be able to conceive are diagnosed with fertility issues
[4] A quarter (25%) of coupled heterosexual Australians who are planning to, or actively trying to conceive, are waiting longer than the recommended 6–12 months before seeking fertility advice when they are having difficulty conceiving