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Study
International Survey for Couples Trying To Conceive
Largest study aimed at understanding the fertility decision-making
process of today's couples trying to conceive
 Merck
Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced that in collaboration
with Cardiff University, it has launched the International Fertility Decision-Making
Study, a project aimed at better understanding the decision-making process of
couples trying to conceive, in order to optimise Merck Serono's patient support
programmes. This project is also supported by the International Consumer Support
for Infertility (iCSi), a leading network comprising nearly 50 patient organisations
worldwide. Translated into several languages, the survey is aimed at women and
men currently trying to have a baby in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark,
France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the United
Kingdom and the United States of America.
"There is ample evidence of significant changes in fertility trends worldwide.
Fewer men and women are having children, parenthood is postponed to a later
age, family size is shrinking, and few people seek medical treatment when they
cannot conceive spontaneously," said Dr Jacky Boivin of Cardiff School
of Psychology, Cardiff University and co-leader of the research team.
Added Dr Laura Bunting of Cardiff School of Psychology, Cardiff University and
co-leader of the research team, "A full understanding of these trends has
been limited due to a lack of contemporary data on issues that really make a
difference to people deciding whether and/or when to have children. The International
Fertility Decision-Making Study will generate data to help understand and address
the barriers that make it difficult for today's couples to start families."
Said Fereydoun Firouz, Head of the Global Business Unit Fertility
and Metabolic Endocrinology of Merck Serono, "International estimates suggest
that only 56 per cent of couples with fertility problems seek medical advice
and only 22 per cent receive fertility treatment. Merck Serono is proud to partner
with Cardiff University in this global initiative, which will help improve understanding
of the psychosocial aspects involved and enable us to provide further support
to couples facing fertility issues."
Said K Shivkumar, Director - Pharmaceuticals, Merck Limited India, "Urban
India has seen dramatic lifestyle changes over the last decade. The biggest
impact of these changes has been on health, fertility and on social fabric of
families.”
It is estimated that approximately between 10-20 per cent of all couples of
fertile age in India suffer from infertility. “This survey will enhance
our understanding of the latest trends and behaviour of married couples, from
their perspectives of parenthood to their attitudes and beliefs surrounding
infertility. India is a major site for this study and we are sure the results
would help Indian health professionals to better guide those seeking treatment,"
he added.
The survey is accessible to all women and men aged 18 to 49 years old who are
trying to conceive. It includes questions about health status, fertility knowledge
and beliefs, experiences and intentions about fertility medical services. Results
of the survey will be made available in the second half of 2010.
EH News Bureau
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