Understanding the Differences Between Infertility and Fertility Health 

The end of April held a significant week honoring National Infertility Awareness. And while in May we find ourselves centered around mental health awareness, it feels appropriate to align to this important week and how it holistically impacts many of your employees, especially given that so many people worldwide experience infertility—1 in 6 globally according to the World Health Organization.   

Many people assume that fertility health is synonymous with infertility and focus on treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART), but fertility health encompasses so much more. It’s about prioritizing hormonal and reproductive wellness at every stage of life. The earlier someone starts proactively addressing their fertility health, the more likely it is that they will be able to make informed choices—including which treatment options they prefer if they discover that they do, in fact, have fertility challenges. 

What is fertility health? 

Fertility is defined as the ability to become pregnant, but fertility health is in no way exclusive to individuals with ovaries, nor is it solely an issue pertaining to those identifying as female or those trying to get pregnant. People of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations can and should understand all aspects of their fertility health and how they may impact physical and psychological well-being. 

Assisted reproductive technology is certainly a part of fertility health, but advanced procedures like IVF are not always—and in fact, not commonly—the right choice for those struggling with infertility.  

According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, approximately 85% to 90% of infertility cases are successfully treated with drug therapy or minor surgical procedures, and fewer than 3% require IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI). There are an array of family-building options including egg and sperm reservation, gestational surrogacy, adoption, and many more options that are too often neglected in the fertility health conversation. There are also preventive measures that can play a significant role in improving overall fertility health, including nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. 

Looking at fertility health in a new way 

While the primary focus of National Infertility Awareness Week was to reduce stigma and educate the public about the issues that make family building difficult for so many, an equally important focus is educating people about reproductive health. That means being inclusive and considering the issues that not just those with ovaries encounter, but also those that people with testes deal with, such as sperm shape, volume, speed, and low testosterone (low T). Being inclusive also means acknowledging all fertility and family-building journeys and associated treatments—from egg and sperm freezing, to IVF, gestational surrogacy, adoption, and menopause. 

In the spirit of removing stigma and providing education about reproductive health, here is a sampling of options for addressing a range of fertility and family-building journeys. People often start out on one path and then change their plans and wind up pursuing another journey, so it’s helpful for those struggling with infertility to understand the broader landscape of fertility health. 

• Lifestyle modifications: Research has demonstrated that the quality and variety of the foods people eat can have a direct and substantial impact on fertility. Working with a dietitian to craft a personalized eating plan can not only enhance fertility, but improve overall wellness. Additional lifestyle modifications like engaging in regular physical activity and stress management can reduce the need for costlier, more invasive interventions, as well as result in better overall health.  

• Postpartum assistance: In addition to helping pregnant people navigate the process of labor, doulas can be indispensable during the postpartum period. As an individual who provides non-medical support and care—typically through education, guidance, emotional support, and counseling—doulas can not only help lower a person’s odds of cesarean birth (C-section) but they can also decrease stress and pain (including postpartum depression), as well as help reduce racial disparities. Lactation consultants and educators are also critical for many postpartum journeys, providing parents with information and training to better understand the breastfeeding process. 

• Adoption and gestational surrogacy: Because IVF and other forms of ART aren’t an option for all people, adoption and gestational surrogacy are important options to explore, particularly for single parents and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Adoption involves the legal process of becoming a full and permanent legal guardian to a child, while gestational surrogacy involves using genetic material from the intending parent(s) or donor and working with a gestational carrier (GC) who carries the pregnancy. 
• Menopause care: An estimated 1.1 billion people worldwide will have experienced menopause by 2025, and the physical and psychological symptoms can be debilitating for many. A recent Carrot survey on menopause found that 59% of respondents experienced the physical symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and fatigue, to be “very challenging”; and more than half of respondents experienced issues like anxiety and mood changes. In fact, 1 in 5 considered changing jobs for better menopause support. 
• Low T support: Low testosterone levels are considered a natural part of aging for people with testes, but when testosterone levels drop to a point that negatively affects a person’s health and/or quality of life, it is considered a medical condition called low T. Because low T can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic illness, physical injury, medications, and more, it’s important for those affected to have access to appropriate treatment from trained medical professionals. 

Comprehensive support—for infertility and overall fertility health 

Fertility health isn’t just about problem-solving related to pregnancy; it’s about preventing and managing symptoms related to a host of hormonal and age-related healthcare concerns. 

Fertility health can’t be delivered in a one-size-fits-all package—successful care involves education, resources, and individualized treatment plans created by experts. 

Carrot prides itself on providing support for all fertility and family-building journeys—and unlike traditional insurance, access to Carrot’s resources is not contingent on having a formal infertility diagnosis. With culturally competent care available to every person, everywhere, Carrot empowers members with an ever-growing library of educational resources and access to a vetted network of providers across the globe. 

Get in touch today to learn more about how Carrot supports people experiencing infertility, as well as individuals seeking help for other reproductive health issues.