Did you know one in six Canadians experiences infertility - yet only three percent seek treatment? During Canadian Infertility Awareness Week, which runs nationwide May 7 to 13, the Vancouver-based Genesis Fertility Centre is leading an open dialogue about infertility while promoting new technologies and policies intended to help women and couples achieve reproductive freedom.
Canadian Infertility Awareness Week (CIAW) aims to "start the conversation" about the current prevalence and treatment options for couples and individuals who suffer from infertility. Fertility issues are more relevant today than ever before now that many women and couples are starting families later in life. New technologies are making it possible for women to have children when they choose, without jeopardizing their health or limiting their options.
"An increasing number of Canadian women struggle to become pregnant naturally, for a variety of reasons. The good news is that assisted reproductive technologies are more accessible and successful than they have ever been," said Dr. Sonya Kashyap, medical director at Genesis Fertility Centre. "Canadian Infertility Awareness Week calls attention to this important issue, and provides key information about techniques like egg and sperm freezing that have helped many men and women conceive."
Dr. Kashyap and the Genesis Fertility Centre will discuss several recent developments during CIAW seminars and events - significantly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Parliament's new bill that helps protect the reproductive future of Canadians by updating the federal tax credit for reproductive technologies. This also provides easier access to alternative reproductive options for those who aren't infertile, such as single women or same-sex couples.
With the average age of a woman's first pregnancy in BC recently surpassing 31 years old, egg freezing is a viable option for reproductive or family planning. Dr. Kashyap believes that education about this treatment is as important as contraceptive planning when women are considering their reproductive options. Egg freezing enables more freedom for women by providing the best chance of having a family when ready - whether that's upon completion of education, reaching a certain career stage, or finding the right partner.
Following CIAW, Genesis Fertility Centre will host two public awareness events: an Open House for Fertility (May 17, 5:30pm to 7:30pm) and an Egg Freezing Event (May 31, 5:30pm to 7:30pm). Both will take place at the Genesis Fertility Centre located at 300 - 1367 West Broadway Avenue; please RSVP at genesis@genesis-fertility.com. For more information on Genesis Fertility Centre, click here.