IVF = world fertility problems

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An increase in cases of couples using IVF to conceive is creating worldwide fertility problems, as parents pass their genetic condition onto the next generation.



Scientists have warned that a sharp rise in cases of infertility looks set to face the next generation, as obesity and increases in STDs are also leading to more couples finding they are unable to conceive naturally. In ten years, this could even rise to one in three couples, compared to one in seven today.



Published in the British Medical Journal this week, the study noted, 'With the advent of assisted conception, sub-fertile couples may have as many children as fertile couples, so that genetic factors linked to infertility will become more prevalent in the generations to come.'



Sub-fertility refers to couples with decreased levels of fertility, who should still be able to conceive naturally.



Study leaders Professor Jens Bonde, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and Professor Jorn Olsen of the University of California, also warned birth rates and sperm counts were facing a decline in developed countries.

Friday 15 February 2008

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