June 4th, World Fertility Day
June 4th marks Fertility Day Awareness, a day dedicated to shedding light on the growing issue of infertility and the advancements in research and treatments aimed at helping couples conceive. As we observe this day, it is essential to understand the incidence of infertility, its various types, and the underlying diseases that affect fertility in both men and women.
The Increasing Incidence of Infertility
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with an estimated 17% of people (1 in every 6 people of reproductive year) struggling to conceive after one year of search. This number has been rising due to various factors, including lifestyle changes, environmental toxins, and the increasingly frequent, delayed parenthood.
Understanding the Origin and Types of Infertility
It is important to keep in mind that 30% of infertility cases are due to female factors, but the same percentage is also attributed to male factors. Additionally, 20% of infertility cases are caused by mixed reasons (by both female and male issues). The remaining 20% is due to unexplained infertility.
Infertility is known to be a complex matter that requires a multifaceted approach to diagnosis and treatment and can be categorized into two types:
- Primary infertility:It refers to couples who have never been able to conceive.
- Secondary infertility:Occurs when couples who have previously conceived face difficulties in conceiving again. It's important to acknowledge secondary infertility, as it is often overlooked but can be equally distressing for those affected.
The Immutable Nature of Oocyte Quantity
Although both male and female factors contribute equally to infertility, it's important to highlight a key difference: unlike men, women have a finite number of oocytes, a biological reality that cannot be changed.
From the onset of female development, a set number of egg or oocytes, are present in the ovaries. This ovarian reserve gradually declines over time, with the most significant decrease occurring as a woman approaches her mid to late 30s. Unlike men, who continuously produce new sperm, women do not generate new eggs throughout their lifetime.
Antioxidants and Oocyte Quality
Even though the number of oocytes cannot be modified, research has shown lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and avoidance of endocrine disruptors can profoundly impact oocyte quality, which is crucial for successful conception. Moreover, multiple studies show that antioxidants can improve this quality, including:
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):Enhances mitochondrial function and energy production in oocytes, improving their quality and viability.
- Melatonin:Known for its antioxidant properties, melatonin can protect oocytes from oxidative damage.
- Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may support ovarian health.
On Fertility Day Awareness, CymitQuimica SL reaffirms its commitment to support infertility research and empowering individuals facing reproductive challenges. Our extensive range of chemicals and reagents serves as a cornerstone in fertility research, offering researchers the tools they need to explore new avenues for enhancing reproductive health. From antioxidants to hormone modulators, our comprehensive product portfolio is designed to facilitate groundbreaking discoveries and breakthroughs in fertility treatment.
