23-29 September 2019
Join us for fertility discussions, advice & support
Infertility in New Zealand
What is infertility? Who is affected? What help is available?
Supporting those with infertility
Learn how to support whanau or friends who are facing infertility
Fertility Week: How Kiwis Make Babies is for Kiwis who are planning for a family in the future, currently trying to conceive, or looking at alternative ways to build your family. It's about raising awareness and helping Kiwis make babies. Join us from 1-7 November!
Fertility Week Ambassador
Fertility Week Ambassador Dame Valerie Adams spoke at the Auckland and Waikato events during Fertility Week, as well as fronting our radio campaign and speaking to media.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dame Valerie for endorsing our kaupapa and helping kiwis start the conversation about infertility, learn vital facts as well as when and where to seek help.
Webinar recordings
Age and Fertility Webinar, Monday 24th September. Watch the recording here
Weight and Nutrition Webinar, Tuesday 25th September. Watch the recording here
Maximising your Chances Webinar, Friday 28th September. Watch the recording here
Infertility Diagnoses & Treatment Webinar, Sunday 30th September. Watch the recording here
Sophie's Story
Sophie shares her story of childhood cancer and fertility preservation
*Libby's story
Same-sex couple Libby and Jolene share their harrowing story to become parents through donation.
What are your chances?
New Zealanders don't know enough about their fertility. Fertility Week challenges young New Zealanders to start the conversation about fertility, and learn a few vital facts. We aim to help all New Zealanders who want to build families - either yesterday, today or in the future, maximise their chances of having the family they dream of.
A couple is regarded as having a fertility problem when they have not conceived after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse or when they have a medical condition which can affect fertility, such as irregular periods. Infertility is a medical condition recognised by the World Health Organisation.
There are many contributors of infertility; common problems include poor sperm quality, damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis and hormonal imbalances – to name a few.
Infertility is not just a female problem – in about 40% of infertile couples the problem is a female factor, in about 40% it is a male one and for the remaining 20% there is a joint problem, or the cause is unknown.
There are many different forms of whanau in today's society, some of which are made possible with the help of donors and surrogates.
By the age of 45, 1 in 5 NZ women and couples who try to have a baby will experience infertility. Most people who will experience infertility will have the child or children they want if they enter their reproductive years with good information – such as the importance of woman’s age, acting sooner rather than later, the importance of lifestyle, treatment options. Know your chances, and improve your chances!
- As many as one in Four NZers experience infertility
- Infertility is equally attributable to male and female issues
- IVF has up to 50% likelihood of a baby per cycle of treatment
- Maori men and women are just as likely as non-Maori to experience infertility
- Men and women with low incomes and/or less educated are just as likely to experience infertility and those who have higher incomes/qualifications
