One in Three Japanese Women Face Infertility Challenges

A significant portion of Japanese women are facing infertility, with a recent university study indicating that approximately 37.8% of women aged 25 to 49 have experienced or are currently experiencing this challenge. This rate is substantially higher than the global estimate of 17.5%.

Researchers attribute this trend to couples opting to start families later in life, evidenced by the rising age of first-time mothers, which reached 31.0 years old in 2024. Furthermore, the study found that only 8.3% of respondents engaged in sexual activity weekly, a stark contrast to rates observed in other developed nations. This infrequency may contribute to longer conception times.

It is a misconception to view infertility solely as a female concern, as male factors also play a significant role. Other contributing elements identified include long working hours, living environments, and a societal culture that may not prioritize sexual intimacy. The increasing reliance on fertility treatments, such as in-vitro fertilization, with a record high of around 85,000 children born via IVF in 2023, underscores the growing need for reproductive health support.