Infertility Rates in Malaysia

According to a survey conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), the total fertility rate in Malaysia has declined from 2.8 in 2004 to 2.4 in 2010. (Total fertility rate is defined as the average number of babies born to women during their reproductive years.) The Health Ministry recently estimated there were about 350,000 couples in Malaysia aged between 20 and 40 who experienced some form of infertility, and the number seem to be increasing.  

So what is infertility? Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive a child after a year of regular unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry pregnancies to a live birth. Regular intercourse means an average frequency of two times per week. If the female partner is above 35 years old, they should consult a doctor after trying for 6 months because pregnancy rate declines for women over 35 years of age. Causes of infertility can be broadly divided to male factor only (35%), female factor only (35%) or combined (20%). In 10% of couples, no causes can be identified (unexplained).

As a woman gets older, her fertility reduces. This is more apparent once she crosses the age of 35. The risk of miscarriage also increases with age. For women below 25 years of age, the miscarriage rate is 7%. For those between the ages of 25 to 35, the miscarriage rate is between 10% to 15%. For ages 36 to 40, the miscarriage rate is between 20% to 25%. For women above 40 years of age, the risk rises sharply to between 30% and 50%.

In order to conceive, both partners should lead a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress levels, consume a healthy diet and avoid toxins such as smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine. Stress and hectic urban lifestyle were reasons contributing to infertility.

It is important to seek help early if there is a suspicion of problems such trying without success for more than a year, history of surgery to the reproductive organs or women who are attempting a pregnancy at a more advanced age (more than 37 years). The couple would be advised to undergo thorough investigations such as semen analysis, pelvic ultrasound, hormonal blood tests or if necessary diagnostic keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery) to look at the internal female organs.

Here's a video of a normal female reproductive system...