The Fertility Paradox: Why Infertility and Menopause Dominate Discussion But Evade Understanding

Despite widespread public discourse about fertility challenges and reproductive health transitions, meaningful scientific understanding and effective interventions are more limited than other areas. The gap between conversation volume and substantive progress reflects complex intersections of biological complexity, research funding priorities, sociocultural taboos, and healthcare system limitations.

This discussion will examine why these ubiquitous reproductive health experiences continue to evade comprehensive understanding despite their prevalence, exploring the scientific, institutional, and cultural barriers that have hindered progress while identifying emerging opportunities to transform both research and care.

Join us to discuss:

• How have historical research priorities and funding patterns contributed to knowledge gaps in reproductive aging and fertility challenges?

• What role do sociocultural factors play in perpetuating stigma while simultaneously amplifying superficial discourse about reproductive health?

• How might interdisciplinary approaches and emerging technologies accelerate our understanding of these complex biological processes and lead to more effective interventions?