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Monash IVF Fertility Insights Index

Australia’s first annual Fertility Scorecard reveals national attitudes, awareness, and behaviours around reproductive health.

Want to know what Australians really think, feel, and do about fertility?

Monash IVF has launched a groundbreaking initiative, tracking fertility trends to help health experts and policymakers better understand and support reproductive health. By sharing these insights annually, we aim to boost awareness and positive action.

Index

Australia’s Fertility Scores

1001 Australian’s aged 18-44 were surveyed on their attitude, awareness, knowledge and behaviour in relation to fertility. Based on the results, each of the dimensions were given a weighted score out of 25.

This index provides a baseline score that allows us to better understand how important fertility is to young people, how aware they are of reproductive health services and products and whether or not they are using them.

Explore the key findings below

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Attitude

Attitude to Fertility

Attitude assesses respondents’ perceptions, feelings and opinions towards fertility and reproductive health. It provides insights into how important fertility is to them and how comfortable they are with different scenarios, such as discussing fertility. The Index found fertility is important to many people, but there is also a need for additional support and information to help break down existing stigmas and help people make informed decisions about their health.

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Attitude

40% (4 in 10) of those surveyed rated fertility as highly important to them at this point in their life

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Attitude

Across the age groups surveyed, fertility was more important to Australians aged 25-34, with more than half (56%) in this group rating fertility highly important to them at this stage their life.

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Attitude

However, only 36% of Australians felt “very comfortable” speaking to a GP about fertility

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Awareness

Awareness of Fertility

Awareness measures how familiar respondents are with a fertility topic or issue. It reflects their ability to identify key conditions, treatments, services and products. Among respondents, familiarity varied from very high to low. This suggests a need for further communication and resources to raise awareness and understanding.

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Awareness

Almost two thirds (64%) of men have never heard of endometriosis, compared to 90% of women who have heard of endometriosis

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Awareness

80% of 25-34 year olds surveyed are aware of fertility health assessments, but only 47% are aware of what’s involved

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Awareness

One in six (16%) know a lot about IVF

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Knowledge

Knowledge of Fertility

Knowledge evaluates the depth of understanding respondents have about fertility and reproductive health, including facts, processes and practical information. It moves beyond basic awareness to test how well individuals grasp details or apply their understanding to their own lives. Producing the lowest score in the index, this is an area that needs urgent action, including additional training for professionals.

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Knowledge

Over half of those surveyed (54%) didn’t know that being a heavy smoker can have a negative effect of fertility

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Knowledge

Over two thirds (70%) of Australians surveyed aren’t aware that using muscle-building steroids could negatively impact fertility

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Knowledge

21% know that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day might have a negative effect on fertility

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Knowledge

51% of women don’t know that irregular periods can make it harder to conceive

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Behaviour

Behaviour around Fertility

Behaviour examines how respondents act or apply their knowledge in real world situations. It reflects their ability to integrate fertility services, products and treatments into their daily lives and decision-making. The Index reveals high levels of behaviour, with respondents actively using a range of fertility and reproductive health offerings - even when their knowledge is comparatively lower. Improved knowledge can help people make informed choices and provide better health outcomes.

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Behaviour

39% have used birth control either personally or with a partner

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Behaviour

One in five (21%) men believe their partner has used medication for period pain, when in fact 33% of women have some menstrual pain relief

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Behaviour

22% of women have used an ovulation tracker kit/phone app

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Behaviour

11% of all respondents have had a fertility health check

State based findings

About the Survey

    • Conducted by the Lab Insight & Strategy on behalf of Monash IVF Australia
    • Online poll of 1001 people aged 18-44 (51% female, 48% male, 1% other)
    • All states represented
    • More than half (56%) of respondents do not have children, 21% are planning to have children, 10% are actively trying, 5% do not want children and 8% are unsure if they want children
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