According to a recent American study, where you live could influence your ability to conceive a child.
Have you ever wondered if where you live could have an impact on your ability to conceive a child? For some, the link between the two is unimaginable and yet American researchers from Oregon State University, in the United States, have looked into the subject. They published their first observations in the professional journal JAMA Network Open on June 30, 2022.
In this study, the research question was: Is living in a disadvantaged neighborhood associated with lower fertility? According to them, the answer would be yes. There would be socio-economic inequalities that would impact fertility. Women living in poor neighborhoods are less likely to conceive a childthan those living in neighborhoods with more wealth, in terms of quality of life.
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Up to 25% less chance
To conduct their study, the researchers analyzed data on 6,356 women, aged between 21 and 45, who were trying to conceive a child without medical help, between 2013 and 2019. The participants completed specific questionnaires relating to their cycle period and potential pregnancy status, every eight weeks for 12 months. The researchers then took into account the quality of life within the neighborhoods in which they lived. They compared the data using, in particular, socio-economic indicators such as the level of education, employment, poverty and housing.
Thus, they found that participants from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods presented a 19 to 21% reduction in fecundability, compared to those from more affluent neighborhoods. Going further, and based on national rankings, they also discovered that the most disadvantaged places had a reduction in fecundability. ranging from 23 to 25%compared to less deprived areas.
For now, these results should be taken with caution. They need to be confirmed in further research. “The concept that your neighborhood affects your fertility has not been thoroughly studied”, explains Mary Willis, co-author of the study. According to her, approaching fertility research from a structural point of view could help reduce or at least prevent infertility in general, especially for women and couples who do not have access to fertility treatment. because too expensive.