A fertility expert from The University of Western Australia and a Perth-based multigenerational research study are collaborating to identify factors behind Australia's declining fertility rates.
In partnership with the Raine Study, Professor Roger Hart, from UWA's Medical School, is leading a world-first study to identify how health, lifestyle, mental health and socioeconomic status throughout life influence male and female fertility.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that Australia's current birth rate is 1.5 births per woman.
"That is well below the rate of 2.1 required for population replacement, and numbers are dropping," Professor Hart said. "That's not an Australian phenomenon, that's an international phenomenon."
Research has indicated that male sperm counts have halved since the 1980s, for reasons unknown.
"One in 20 Australians is now conceived via IVF, which creates substantial emotional, physical and financial implications for individuals and couples who seek IVF treatment," Professor Hart said.
"There is significant need for ongoing funding to facilitate research in this field, with some predicting a demographic 'time-bomb' for our society."
Professor Hart has followed the Raine Study's Generation 2 cohort, born between 1989 and 1991, and now aged between 33 and 35, throughout their lives.
The study aims to build on existing reproductive-specific data provided to the Raine Study from this cohort, to investigate early life factors influencing reproduction and general health at age 33, which is when fertility is most relevant.
Associate Professor Rebecca Glauert, the Raine Study's Scientific Director, said the longitudinal design of the research allowed tracking of participants over time, offering invaluable insights into how a range of factors affect fertility.
"This approach enables researchers like Professor Hart to delve deep into the biological, lifestyle and environmental factors impacting on fertility," Associate Professor Glauert said.
Professor Hart will collect information about ovarian/ovulatory function, uterine and endometrial development, pelvic pain and endometriosis, testicular function and general health.
"Nobody else has done a snapshot of reproductive health at the time of peak fertility, alongside prior fertility and reproductive assessments that were taken during adolescence," he said.
The study will investigate how societal and lifestyle factors, such as childcare and housing costs, professional aspirations and fly-in-fly-out rosters influence reproductive decision- making, but like most research, funding projects is an important consideration.
"The study depends on external funding, and we encourage organisations interested in this field to consider partnering with us to enable groundbreaking discoveries about human fertility," Associate Professor Glauert said.
"Funding this work will allow us to unpack what is happening with fertility and hopefully lead to improved outcomes for those struggling to conceive."
The study will provide insights into the declining birth rate, guide global health policy around preventable life exposures and health trajectories that dictate the reproductive health of men and women.
