At Carolinas Fertility Institute, it’s our job to stay up to date on the latest research, treatments, and technology, in addition to paying attention to the upcoming fertility trends for 2022. Coupled with our decades of experience, staying informed allows us to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. As we enter this new year, we’re seeing developments that coincide with the rapidly changing reproductive technology. This blog discusses the current state of fertility rates, the future of fertility treatments, and the top fertility trends for 2022.  

Declining Fertility Rates

In order to get a better understanding of the fertility trends for 2022, it’s important to assess where we currently stand. Globally, fertility rates are declining for women in nearly all countries. While the fertility rates in high-income countries have been declining since 1950, data shows that middle-income countries may be following the same delayed childbearing trends originally seen in higher-income countries. Finally, fertility rates have steadily declined in low-income countries for women of all age groups.

Fertility Trends for 2022

Increased Inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Couples

More conversations are being had about the relationship between fertility treatments and same-sex couples. Fertility clinics allow for more opportunities for same-sex couples, including Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization, and In vitro fertilization with gestational surrogacy and egg donation. These services create an opportunity for same-sex couples to experience pregnancy and childbirth, pass along genetic traits, create biological ties, and allow for a more involved role in conception. One of the major roadblocks in the journey to build a family is the restriction on fertility benefits. While opposite-sex couples may meet certain cost managing requirements due to their claim for infertility, it can be difficult or impossible for same-sex couples to meet the definition of being infertile. One of the fertility trends for 2022 is a more comprehensive look at the fertility needs of same-sex couples and more creative solutions to increase inclusivity. 

Easily-Accessible Resources

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, we were obligated to get creative with ways to connect. While the lack of in-person communication took its toll, online communication flourished. In the healthcare field, solutions like telehealth and telemedicine rapidly grew in popularity and are now solidified as legitimate approaches to patient care. In the fertility sphere of healthcare, online resources and forums have allowed for open communication about what was once considered a taboo topic. The virtual space has become a viable option for infertility support, and we anticipate that these resources will only become more accessible in the upcoming year.

Changing Laws

The conversation around fertility treatment and benefits has expanded its reach to a governmental level. In 2019, a law was passed in New York that requires employers to cover in vitro fertilization for their employees, and a similar law is set to pass in Colorado in 2022. Laws around fertility treatments are likely going to continue to other states, with an increased likelihood of benefit for same-sex couples. 

The Future of Fertility Treatments

Reproductive science has seen significant growth in popularity over the past decades. As many women choose to prioritize their careers and start families later in life, this popularity is expected to grow. The future of fertility treatments will likely see an increased emphasis on fertility preservation, more accurate genetic testing, and even more scientific breakthroughs. We’re excited to see how the fertility trends for 2022 play out, and we are happy to be part of your fertility journey.

Talk to a Fertility Expert

At Carolinas Fertility Institute, we are dedicated to helping you build your family with personalized care and attention. We provide the latest and most technologically advanced treatment options for fertility, and this includes staying up to date on all of the fertility trends for 2022. If you are struggling to get pregnant, we can work with you to devise a personalized treatment plan. Call us at (336) 448-9100 to make an appointment in the Triad or (844) 686-2233 for our Charlotte office.