At TEDxUofT’s “Mosaic” event, a conference designed to celebrate diverse perspectives contributing to Canadian culture, Dr. Kaajal Abrol, a fertility expert based in Toronto, addressed an important yet often overlooked aspect of health—women’s reproductive well-being. With a medical background that includes graduating from McMaster School of Medicine, a residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and a fellowship in Gynaecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility from the University of Toronto, Dr. Abrol’s presentation was aimed at empowering young people with knowledge about their fertility and encouraging them to take control of their reproductive health from an early age.
Challenging Fertility Myths and the Age Factor
Dr. Abrol’s talk opened by confronting the pervasive societal messages women face about their fertility—specifically the common belief that fertility declines sharply after age 30, or that women are “past their prime” after a certain age. She challenged these misconceptions, explaining that fertility is a complex issue that evolves as individuals age. According to both Dr. Abrol and the World Health Organization, approximately one in six individuals face challenges with conception, and infertility is now considered one of the most widespread medical conditions for those of reproductive age.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Abrol shared examples of patients who assumed their fertility would be fine. “I’m healthy, I feel young. I thought I could get pregnant whenever I was ready,” one patient shared. Another remarked, “I thought IVF would work, no matter my age.” This gap in understanding, Dr. Abrol believes, is due to an overwhelming focus on avoiding unplanned pregnancies rather than proactively learning about fertility health and future reproductive options.
The Importance of Understanding Fertility Timelines
To help demystify fertility, Dr. Abrol outlined the natural progression of egg reserve over time. At birth, individuals typically have around two million eggs. By puberty, this drops to about 300,000 to 500,000. By age 30, only 25,000 remain. This decline in egg quantity, and more importantly, quality, is crucial when considering fertility-related procedures like egg freezing or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
She explained that several tests can assess ovarian reserve, including the measurement of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), and Antral Follicular Count (AFC). These indicators provide insights into an individual’s fertility health and whether treatments such as IVF might be viable. For instance, as a woman ages, a drop in estrogen levels typically results in increased FSH levels, which is a natural part of the aging process, signaling the need for proactive fertility planning.
Dr. Abrol also shared that while the average age of menopause is 51, many individuals face fertility challenges long before this stage, emphasizing the importance of early education about one’s reproductive health.
Planning for the Future: Egg Freezing and IVF
A significant portion of Dr. Abrol’s message focused on the importance of planning for future fertility. Aimed particularly at younger audiences in their 20s and 30s, she stressed the benefits of getting tested and understanding one’s fertility potential early. One option she discussed was egg freezing, which allows individuals to preserve their eggs for future use. This procedure involves harvesting eggs, maturing them in a lab, and storing them for later fertilization and implantation via IVF when the individual is ready to start a family.
While egg freezing and IVF can offer a better chance of conceiving later in life, Dr. Abrol cautioned that they are not foolproof solutions. IVF is not guaranteed to result in pregnancy, but it can provide more options for those who wish to delay parenthood due to career or personal reasons.
Empowering Through Education and Awareness
Dr. Abrol concluded her talk with a powerful call to action: “Informed individuals are empowered individuals.” She emphasized that open discussions about fertility, starting at a young age, can help dispel myths and provide people with the tools to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. As a fertility expert, Dr. Abrol is committed to spreading this message through various platforms, including her podcast, Fertility Doc Talk, where she addresses common fertility questions and shares advice to help individuals navigate their fertility journeys.
Through her work, Dr. Abrol hopes to foster a society where fertility knowledge is accessible and where everyone has the opportunity to make informed choices about their reproductive futures.
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