Pregnancy may seem natural for everyone, but in reality, many people face an unexpected challenge of infertility. According to <Infertility Prevalence Estimates, 1990-2021> released by the WHO in 2023, 17.5% of the world’s adult population (as of 2022), roughly 1 in 6 people, is experiencing infertility. Although infertility is a common health issue that can affect anyone, it remains surrounded by various misunderstandings and prejudices.

True or False is a content series designed to address common misconceptions and questions surrounding the medical conditions treated by LG Chem’s pharmaceuticals. Today, we explore five key questions about infertility to support accurate understanding.

Q1. Is infertility only a woman’s issue?

False: The WHO defines infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system, characterized by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse¹. Infertility can affect both men and women, and in many cases, the cause is unclear or involves a combination of multiple factors.

In women, infertility can result from issues with the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, or the endocrine system. In men, common causes include blockages in the reproductive tract, hormonal imbalances, impaired sperm production, or abnormal sperm function².

Since infertility is not limited to one gender, it is important for both partners to receive an accurate diagnosis early on and develop a treatment plan together.

Q2. Can infertility be caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity or smoking?

True: Obesity and smoking are common lifestyle factors that negatively affect reproductive health.

Studies show that people with obesity have up to three times the risk of infertility compared to those with a normal weight. For each unit increase in BMI over 29 kg/m², the chance of pregnancy tends to decrease by about 5%³. Obesity can negatively affect the entire reproductive process, including ovarian function, ovulation, sperm and egg quality, and implantation.

Smoking can also impair reproductive function in both men and women. In men, it can reduce both sperm production and quality. In women, it may shorten the menstrual cycle and increase the likelihood of anovulation, ultimately leading to decreased fertility. These effects are largely due to harmful substances in cigarettes that damage reproductive cells and disrupt the hormonal system⁴.

Q3. Does having given birth before mean you’re no longer at risk of infertility?

False: Even if you’ve had a child before, you may still face difficulties conceiving again. This is known as ‘secondary infertility,’ which refers to challenges in becoming pregnant after previously giving birth. Facing infertility despite already having a child can lead to unexpected confusion and place emotional and psychological stress on both partners.

According to the U.S. CDC, about 14.1% of women who have given birth experience infertility. While this is lower than the 26% observed among women who have never been pregnant, it is still a significant figure that cannot be ignored⁵.

Therefore, a history of childbirth does not guarantee future fertility, and if you are planning a pregnancy, consistent attention and monitoring of your reproductive health is necessary.

Q4. Does a woman’s fertility decline rapidly after the age of 35?

* Source: PRESTO(Pregnancy Study Online)

False: While it’s true that a woman’s fertility gradually declines with age, it does not suddenly drop off at exactly 35.

According to PRESTO (Pregnancy Study Online), female fertility declines gradually, with pregnancy rates at 76.6% for ages 31–33 and 74.8% for ages 34–36. However, the decline becomes more pronounced after age 37, dropping to 67.4% at ages 37–39 and 55.5% at ages 40–45⁶.

As shown, fertility gradually declines with age, with a more noticeable drop after ages 37 and 40. Rather than relying on age alone, it’s important to prepare for pregnancy systematically by considering both individual health and family plans.

Q5. Is infertility medically treatable?

True: Infertility is a medical condition that can be diagnosed and treated. Various treatment options are available, including medication, hormone therapy, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), all of which help improve the chances of pregnancy for many couples.

As the average age of marriage and first childbirth continues to rise, the number of people requiring infertility treatment is steadily increasing. Infertility treatment is no longer seen as a personal choice, but as an essential form of medical support, with growing institutional and policy-level backing.

In line with these changes, LG Chem is developing infertility treatments to help more people begin their journey to parenthood. Our flagship product, Polytrop™, is a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that promotes multiple follicle development by inducing controlled ovarian stimulation. It is effectively used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.

The journey of welcoming new life can be slower than expected for some, often requiring immense courage. As low birth rates and aging populations intensify around the world, the number of people affected by infertility is rising, along with the growing demand for effective infertility treatments.

Since 1993, LG Chem has been dedicated to developing infertility treatments. With a portfolio that includes Polytrop™, we are now operating in 15 countries worldwide, focusing on global market expansion and strengthening product competitiveness. Going forward, LG Chem will continue to support those waiting for new life by advancing scientifically based treatment solutions.

References

1. World Health Organization. Infertility prevalence estimates, 1990–2021 [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2023 Apr 3 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978920068315

2. World Health Organization (2023). Infertility fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility

3. Dağ, Z. Ö., & Dilbaz, B. Impact of obesity on infertility in women. Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association, 16(2), 111–117. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4456969

4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44697

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infertility. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm

6. Wesselink AK, Rothman KJ, Hatch EE, Mikkelsen EM, Sørensen HT, Wise LA. Age and fecundability in a North American preconception cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Dec;217(6):667.e1–667.e8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5712257