Fertility Survey finds astonishing results

Fertility Survey Finds Astonishing Results: Only One of 12,382 Women Answered Correctly

American Infertility Association to Provide Educational Program to Address Dire Need for Fertility Information

(Newstream) -- The American Infertility Association (AIA) on October 24 announced results of a national fertility survey. Only one in 12,382 women was able to correctly answer questions about their reproductive lifecycle. In response, The AIA has kicked off a comprehensive educational campaign to better inform the public about fertility issues.

"It is just shocking that only one out of 12,000 women was able to answer these questions correctly. This is about our bodies. These results clearly show that there is a serious lack of education about fertility," said Pamela Madsen, executive director of The AIA.

The survey, sponsored by an unrestricted, educational grant from Organon Inc., was conducted on www.ivillage.com.

The survey emphasized this serious lack in education:

Most women only have a poor understanding of age-related reproduction issues. Overall, nearly 60 percent of the survey questions were answered incorrectly.

88 percent of women overestimated by five to ten years the age at which fertility begins declining.

28 percent of women underestimated the risk of infertility, believing it is one in 50, when in fact that risk is one in 10.

Women, while knowledgeable about pregnancy prevention (90 percent were aware that an I.U.D. can compromise fertility) do not understand that some birth control can compromise while others can preserve fertility.

"Doctors generally do not talk about ways of preserving fertility," said Richard Scott, M.D., of the Reproductive Medicine Associates of NJ and co-author of the study. "Look at what women don't understand about their reproductive systems, and what can have an impact on their fertility. Having a normal health history does not mean that you are able to conceive. Women are woefully misinformed."

"Because of what we've known intuitively, and what was underscored by this survey, The AIA is starting a comprehensive educational campaign to better inform the public," Ms. Madsen said. "Women must be better educated, so they can make accurate and informed decisions about family building. This is about empowering women with complete knowledge and real control."

The AIA has released a fact-filled brochure co-authored by Dr. Richard Scott, entitled, What Mother Never Told You About Fertility, Because No One Ever Told Her, as one part of their campaign to better educate the public. The brochure, along with numerous other brochures and fact sheets, is available from the AIA. Contact Lori at 888-917-3777 or visit www.americaninfertility.org.