Experts Say Infertility Rate on the Rise in China

It's widely believed that infertility rate in China is on the rise, while there has been no authoritative, supporting data yet. But experts point out that modern lifestyles do lead to infertility. Shuangfeng brings the details.

Nowadays, an increasing number of infertile couples go to hospitals for treatment. Li Hongjun, Chief Physician at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, says it's widely thought that infertility rate in China has been rising.

"It is estimated the infertility rate in China is between 8% and 15%. However, we have no authoritative investigation. It is widely thought that the figure is on rise, not only in China, but around the world."

Infertility is defined as the failure of a couple to conceive after trying to do so for at least one year.

Li Hongjun talks about the reasons that lead to the rise of male infertility.

"Firstly, unhealthy diets including alcohol abuse and tainted food may lower sperm quality. Secondly, the increase in obesity leads to infertility. And people do not exercise enough. They spend more time on the internet and eat high fat foods at the same time."

Shenhuan, Director of Reproductive Medicine Center at Renmin Hospital in Beijing, explains the main reasons behind the rise in female infertility.

"One issue is that many couples choose to have their first child after age 30. In medical science, women after 30 are easily susceptible to gynecological diseases. Another issue is that with sex becoming more open, some people have abortions before marrying. These women are also susceptible to gynecological diseases and damage, which affects their childbearing capability."

Both Li Hongjun and Shenhuan believe that work pressure nowadays increases infertility. Li Hongjun, from Peking Union Medical College Hospital,

"The competition is fiercer than before. Many people stay up. Some people have sleep problems. Some people become depressed or have anxiety issues. All these factors give rise to infertility."

To tackle the problem, experts call for people to create a healthier environment, in which people enjoy a harmonious competition atmosphere, have a healthy diet and do more exercise. They say for couples who want to have children, the age between 25 and 28 is the best time to have a baby.

For CRI, this is Shuangfeng.