The F Factor - Vhi lifts the lid on attitudes to Fertility issues in Ireland

22nd November 2016 –  Six in ten women feel that fertility issues are least likely to be spoken of in Ireland, followed by STDs and mental health issues according to research conducted by Vhi into fertility awareness.  Nearly half (47%) of those surveyed felt that there was a stigma attached to infertility in Ireland with 23% of women feeling this was due to the lack of open discussion about fertility issues, 20% believing that this is down to the stereotype that everyone should have children in Ireland and 10% feeling that it’s too embarrassing to admit that there is a problem.   This is despite the fact that one in six couples will encounter issues when they start trying for a family.

The research was conducted nationally recently to coincide with the launch of Vhi’s “Let’s talk about Fertility” Campaign to promote the addition of a holistic fertility benefit on some of the company’s most popular health insurance plans.  

Vhi have developed a unique online fertility quiz which aims to raise the Fertility IQ of the nation and which can be accessed on www.vhifertilityquiz.com.  They have also created a dedicated web page containing information and blogs on fertility and related topics which can be accessed on www.vhi.ie/fertility. The campaign will see Vhi encouraging people to talk more freely about this topic via dedicated Snapchat sessions and podcasts as well as on the company’s Facebook page.

The Vhi study found that 28% hope to start a family aged between 31 and 35, with 20% planning to start trying aged between 26 and 30.  Almost half of those surveyed (45%) would hope to have two children, 27% would like to have three children and a brave 6% think four is the perfect number.    While over half (55%) hoped they won’t have any problems, 22% were worried that they might encounter issues when starting a family.

There is a marked difference between men and women when it comes to discussing fertility issues with 41% of men feeling uncomfortable discussing the topic with family or relatives compared with 29% of women and 44% not happy to discuss the issue with friends compared with just 16% of women.   Fertility issues are more likely to be considered unspoken of among those in younger age groups i.e. under 40 despite the fact that it is estimated that one in every six couples will have issues conceiving.

The research found that one in twelve adults aged 25-50 surveyed have personally been through fertility treatment while two in three know someone who has (this is higher in women than men – 69% vs 55%).  For those who have been through fertility treatment the cost of the treatment came as a shock (34%) with 21% surprised by the number of their friends who were under-going treatment or who had previously received treatment but who never told anyone. 

Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi, commented “Many couples plan to start a family but no one really plans for fertility issues and, while for many having children goes smoothly, the reality is that for a high percentage of couples there can be significant challenges.  As our research has shown, the subject of fertility is still somewhat taboo in Ireland and we believe this needs to change.  That’s why we’re taking a new holistic approach to how our customers are looked after when it comes to starting a family.  From our NurseLine, our website and our benefits towards fertility treatments, we want our customers to know that we’ll be there to support them at every stage of their journey.”

For further information regarding this topic, please log on to www.vhi.ie/fertility or contact 1890 44 44 44.

ENDS

Vhi_Press

22-Nov-2016