The number of couples struggling with infertility across the province may be more than you think.

You might think that you do not personally know any couples that are struggling with conceiving. This might be because even though these couples are experiencing fertility issues, often they want to keep their struggle private.

A recent study has shown that 11.5% to 15.7% of couples in Canada struggle with infertility. That's almost one in six couples. So you see, chances are that you do personally know someone affected by infertility.

The overall number of people facing fertility problems in Canada has increased over the years. In 1984, the estimated percentage of couples with fertility problems was 5.4%. In 1992, this number increased to 8.5%. And today, the estimated prevalence (total number of couples with infertility) is up to 15.7%.

Among couples with a female partner aged 40 to 44 years old, the infertility rate is 14.3% to 20.7%. Almost 30 years ago, in 1984, that number was only 4.6%.

Winkler resident Kristy Hiebert says she has been facing infertility issues for over seven years.

"For many years I felt very alone and that no one else really had this problem because no one talks about it. As the years go on you kind of realize that you are not the only one, there are others and it's just not something anyone really wants to talk about. The feelings and insecurities that you have are normal, it's important to me that others know they are not alone it is real and that it does not seem to go away."

Hiebert added that over time you get better at dealing with the struggle and learn to respect and value yourself for who you are instead of just as a mom, realizing that you hold value just by being you.

It is expected that as a woman's age increases the rate of infertility increases, the trend of rising infertility rates is not exclusive to older women. In 1984, the infertility rate of couples with a female partner aged 18 to 29 years was 4.9%. Now, the infertility rate in this age group is 7% to 13.7%.

Statistics show that infertility rates are on the rise in part due to the trend for women to have children later in life (when they are less fertile). There are many factors that have contributed to the trend including getting married at a later age, easy access to birth control (which allows women to delay pregnancy until they are ready), and more women in the workforce.
Possible explanations for a decrease in fertility in younger age groups include the increasing rate of obesity and sexually transmitted infections, both of which can harm fertility. Other fertility risk factors may also contribute to how common infertility is.

"Having a great group of friends and family that took the time to research my issue and understand it has been my main resource going through this. Understanding is the biggest thing and people often make judgments and assume that you should just get over it. This is not just something you get over," explained Hiebert.

Hiebert went on to say support from friends and family is why she is able to talk about her struggle today, noting knowing she wasn't the only one was also very helpful.

Reports show that it's important that you don't become isolated during this time. What you are going through can affect you in many ways and how you cope with it depends on your personality and personal experiences.