A natural occurence

Infertility or reduced fertility is one of the most common diseases for people aging 25 to 45. The disorder surpasses in number of occurrences several widespread diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is a condition that covers women and couples who have not become pregnant after a year of trying with normal intercourse, as well as women who experience repeated involuntary abortions.

Fertility treatments in Denmark have been on the rise for the past several years, and today up to 40,000 Danes start fertility treatment each year. More than 10 percent of Danish children born every year are the result of fertility treatment. This corresponds to 6,371 births in 2021.

Since the 1970’s, the fertility rate in Denmark has been around 1.6-1.7 children per woman. Well below the 2.1 needed to maintain a healthy population. It is often debated whether the low fertility rate is caused by young people prioritizing education over family growth, climate concerns or modern society’s pursuit for personal freedom. But the declining sperm quality in men, and small egg reserves in women, may also be part of the explanation.

People in fertility treatment often have the experience of feeling alone. Feeling alone in having difficulty with something, that for many is assumed to be a completely natural occurrence in life. The consequences of reduced fertility do not only go beyond the ability to have children. It widely affects people's mental health, social well-being, relationships, and sex life.

In this series, we look behind the scenes at Denmark's largest fertility clinic at Rigshospitalet, and follow three couples undergoing fertility treatment, who wanted to share their story.