Is Fertility At Risk? Global Survey Reveals Need For Early Education - New Global Educational Campaign Aimed At Men And Women

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 26 Jun 2006 - 1:00 PDT

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Despite increasing media attention on the subject of fertility, public knowledge of reproductive health is remarkably low, according to a new international survey. In fact, less than half of respondents queried in 10 countries could correctly answer questions about their reproductive health.

This finding emerged from the first international fertility survey "What You Never Knew About Fertility" carried out as part of World Fertility Awareness Month. The survey was conducted by global patient organizations1, and led by Dr. Richard Scott, (Reproductive Medicine Associates, Director Assisted Reproduction Program, New Jersey, USA) Pamela Madsen, (American Fertility Association, Executive Director and survey coordinator, New York, USA ) and Dr. Karen Elkind-Hirsch (Women's Health Research Institute, Scientific Director of Research, Louisiana, USA). Organon, a global pharmaceutical company and leader in Fertility treatments provided funding through an unrestricted educational grant.

The survey was aimed at understanding the depth of knowledge about reproductive health, in an effort to appropriately focus educational efforts. The survey revealed an important lack of knowledge on 15 questions including the effects of age, contraception and the general health on fertility. When these questions were posed to 17,500 individuals worldwide, not one scored 100 per cent. In fact, less than half of respondents were aware of the age at which female fertility starts to decline or the impact that factors such as obesity and sexually transmitted infections have on fertility preservation.

This lack of awareness can have serious medical, social, and economic consequences for men and women alike. Early education on this topic, especially for people who may someday want to conceive, is essential, so that they can make "informed" not "blind" decisions. Knowledge about fertility is paramount, as "lack of knowledge leaves us vulnerable to all kinds of surprises, including preventable reproductive disorders" says Clare Brown, Chief Executive, Infertility Network UK.

The survey findings come at a time when some experts are forecasting that the prevalence of infertility is set to increase - even double - over the next two decades. In response to what can only be described as an increasingly common global fertility dilemma, Dr. Keith Gordon, Senior Director Medical Services, Fertility at Organon, comments: "Men and women have to become aware of their fertility problems and of the fact that infertility can usually be effectively treated. The success rate of ART (assisted reproductive techniques) currently stands at around 23 - 26 per cent per cycle, which is comparable to the success rates of natural conception. 2 Couples really need to seek help sooner rather than later."

A decade ago, research and development by Organon led to the introduction of Puregon®, a recombinant FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) preparation that plays an important role in treating infertility. Says Gordon, "Modern infertility treatments started with Puregon® are increasingly successful. The one million children3 milestone of Puregon® is testimony that these methods provide a measure of hope to the many couples facing these reproductive problems."

As Dr. Richard Scott explains, "Based on this international survey, we can only conclude that that no country has embraced fertility education. Our findings demonstrate the need to re-examine and implement country specific health education programs, to educate both men and women about their fertility. It is clear that current programs have successfully supported family planning through contraception, we now need to do the same with global reproductive health issues to address the fertility balance."

About Organon

Organon - with shared head offices in Roseland, NJ, USA and Oss, The Netherlands - creates, manufactures and markets prescription medicines that improve the health and quality of human life. Through a combination of independent growth and business partnerships, Organon strives to remain or become one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in each of its core therapeutic fields: gynecology, fertility, neuroscience and anesthesia. Organon products are sold in over 100 countries, of which more than 60 have an Organon subsidiary. Organon is the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel.

What You Never Knew About Fertility brochure

"As part of World Fertility Awareness Month, we are proud to release "What You Never Knew About Fertility", an educational brochure sponsored by Organon", says Pamela Madsen. "The fertility awareness survey results act as a call to action around the world. There is an urgent need for fertility education, and we believe the brochure is an important tool for all those thinking of starting a family."

Organon's long-standing commitment to patient education is demonstrated through its partnership with patient organizations and efforts to provide information booklets and online educational resources about fertility. The "What You Never Knew About Fertility" brochure is designed for distribution via patient organizations and through health centers and doctors offices. For more information on fertility please visit http://www.fertilityjourney.com.

References
1. The current survey was conducted by patient organizations in the following countries: Argentina, Belgium, Israel, the Netherlands, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Turkey, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. Organon carried out the survey in Germany. The same survey was conducted earlier by a patient organization in the United States.
2. Out HJ, Mannaerts BM, Driessen SG, Bennink HJ. Hum Reprod 1995; 10: 2534 - 40.
3. Gordon K, Hoomans E, Prins M, Lewin J, Schuller K, One million and counting. Submitted for publication, 2006.

http://www.organon.com

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