Volume 11, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Caspian J Reprod Med 2025, 11(2): 21-31 |
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Tori N A, Galeshi M. Barriers to Fertility in Women: A Narrative Review Study. Caspian J Reprod Med 2025; 11 (2) :21-31
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-278-en.html
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-278-en.html
Clinical Research Development Unite of Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran , galeshi_m@yahoo.com
Abstract: (19 Views)
Background: Declining birth rates, population aging, and a reduced workforce have become major demographic concerns worldwide. Understanding the factors that discourage or prevent women from having children is essential for developing effective reproductive and population policies. This narrative review identifies and synthesizes key barriers influencing women’s fertility and childbearing decisions.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature sources (OpenGrey) without limits on language, geography, or time until December 2023. Studies addressing fertility barriers were included; reviews, editorials, and papers on single-child issues were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, and extracted relevant data.
Results: Out of 105 records, 39 studies (2017–2024) from 22 countries were included. Major barriers identified were decreased childbearing intention linked to higher socioeconomic status and women’s empowerment; delayed childbearing due to advancing age (optimal fertility ≤31 years, declining after 35); inadequate policy support; work–family conflicts from employment; inverse relationships between education and parity; cultural stigma and media influence; high treatment costs limiting access to assisted reproductive technologies; poor counseling; environmental factors; and stigma related to HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion: Fertility barriers among women are multifactorial and context-dependent. Targeted interventions such as supportive family policies, reproductive education, and affordable fertility care are crucial to addressing declining fertility trends and promoting reproductive health.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature sources (OpenGrey) without limits on language, geography, or time until December 2023. Studies addressing fertility barriers were included; reviews, editorials, and papers on single-child issues were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, and extracted relevant data.
Results: Out of 105 records, 39 studies (2017–2024) from 22 countries were included. Major barriers identified were decreased childbearing intention linked to higher socioeconomic status and women’s empowerment; delayed childbearing due to advancing age (optimal fertility ≤31 years, declining after 35); inadequate policy support; work–family conflicts from employment; inverse relationships between education and parity; cultural stigma and media influence; high treatment costs limiting access to assisted reproductive technologies; poor counseling; environmental factors; and stigma related to HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion: Fertility barriers among women are multifactorial and context-dependent. Targeted interventions such as supportive family policies, reproductive education, and affordable fertility care are crucial to addressing declining fertility trends and promoting reproductive health.
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Reproductive Health
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/09/5 | Published: 2025/11/19
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/09/5 | Published: 2025/11/19
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