With 57% of people aged 25 to 45 concerned about their fertility, new research from Boots Ireland is making fertility visible and shining a light on the issues being experienced.
On its new research, Boots Ireland stated: "Not being able to have children was the key concern experienced by 13% of respondents and this was more acutely felt among those aged 25 to 35 with 19% expressing this concern.
"Not being able to afford fertility treatments was listed at 12% while 11% of respondents are concerned that they might not find out about their fertility issues until it’s too late. The research also demonstrated a lack of awareness of where to go to seek advice on fertility issues.
"While 72% of respondents agreed that people are starting to be more open about fertility and infertility issues, the research showed that a gender divide exists with 57% of respondents believing that the woman should shoulder most of the responsibility of fertility and family planning.
"The research also investigated the impact that people’s fertility journeys have on them. Stress and anxiety is experienced by 14% of people with 13% of people saying it affected their mental health. It causes stress in relationships for 13% of people and 6% reported that their relationship ended as a result."
Commenting on the research, Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots Ireland said: "Fertility and infertility issues have slowly but surely become less stigmatised in our society, and it is great to see that reflected in our research today with 72% of people agreeing that this is the case.
"However, the research shows the wide-ranging concerns that people have about their fertility – the fear of the unknown as to whether they will have issues with their fertility in the future and not knowing where to turn to for peace of mind or support if they do in fact have fertility issues.
"This is borne out in significant issues around their own mental, financial and relationship health underlining the need for greater education and support for people as they navigate this stage of life."
She continued: "Our pharmacy team at Boots Ireland are here to offer support for anyone who is experiencing these concerns and can advise on a whole range of products that can help on this journey such as ovulation kits and vitamins and supplements that can support fertility."
Caoimhe McAuley also recommends a number of lifestyle changes that can also be made by both men and women who are experiencing fertility concerns to support a more positive journey, as follows: "(1 ) Healthy eating and exercise. Anxiety and stress can be helped by ensuring you maintain a healthy diet and take regular exercise which will have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health, (2 ) Give up bad habits. Smoking, drinking or taking drugs contribute to infertility so taking steps to reduce or quit these completely are important factors in optimising fertility levels and (3 ) Take time to relax. Find something that helps you unwind. This could be relaxing in a warm bath, listening to soothing music, reading a book or simply going out for a walk. Spend time with friends and family either to help take you mind of things or to talk and ask for support if you feel comfortable doing so."
To find out more about fertility-related products at Boots Ireland visit https://www.boots.ie/health-pharmacy/womenshealth
