Expert Says Sub-Fertility On The Rise, Due To Stress And Other Factors
SINGAPORE: Doctors said more couples are turning up for help when they want to have babies. A fertility expert said that the problem is not infertility but sub-fertility, which is due to the poorer quality of eggs and sperm.
One reason is because more women are postponing having children and science has shown that women’s eggs deteriorate with age, especially for those over 35.
While operations and procedures may help couples, the fertility expert feels there are other factors which need to be addressed such as a decline in sperm quality.
Dr Suresh Nair, Consultant, Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre, said: “We suspect strongly that it has got to do with amount of estrogen that are permeating into the water supply and the use of contraception. And a lot of estrogen gets into our water supply.
He said that estrogen is present in drinking water and processed foods.
Studies have shown that estrogen gets into water systems like the Thames in London through urine which carries traces of estrogen.
Also, poor lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking and stress contribute to lowering egg and sperm quality as do the use of lubricants.
He said that couples, over 35, should seek professional help, if they cannot conceive after six months.
The current total fertility rate stands at 1.08, well below the 2.1 replacement level. - CNA/vm
Channel News Asia