Abstract
Study question
What is the prevalence of female infertility among UK military personnel and does it differ from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and civilian populations?
Summary answer
Prevalence of self-reported infertility was higher in servicewomen (31.7%) and female MPS officers (36.3%) than in civilian women (24.4%).
What is known already
Arduous employment is associated with numerous potential occupational hazards and behaviours that may be relevant to fertility. These include physical and psychological stress, smoking, alcohol drinking and other lifestyle factors. A preliminarily report in 2016 indicated that UK servicewomen over 30 years of age were more likely to present with fertility problems compared with reported civilian infertility data for age-matched women. Few previous studies have compared infertility prevalence of servicewomen with civilians, and none have compared infertility prevalence with other occupations.
What is the prevalence of female infertility among UK military personnel and does it differ from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and civilian populations?
Summary answer
Prevalence of self-reported infertility was higher in servicewomen (31.7%) and female MPS officers (36.3%) than in civilian women (24.4%).
What is known already
Arduous employment is associated with numerous potential occupational hazards and behaviours that may be relevant to fertility. These include physical and psychological stress, smoking, alcohol drinking and other lifestyle factors. A preliminarily report in 2016 indicated that UK servicewomen over 30 years of age were more likely to present with fertility problems compared with reported civilian infertility data for age-matched women. Few previous studies have compared infertility prevalence of servicewomen with civilians, and none have compared infertility prevalence with other occupations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 463-464 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Human Reproduction |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | Supplement 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2021 |