Self-reported fertility problems and their socio-demographic and health correlates: a cross-sectional online survey of 8,000 Polish adults
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ABSTRACT: While biological and lifestyle determinants of reproductive health are well documented globally, comprehensive data integrating socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health correlates within a contemporary Polish context remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of self-reported fertility problems among adults completing a 2024 online survey in Poland (the National Fertility Test). Of the 8,000 respondents surveyed, the analytical sample comprised 5,532 (3,316 women and 2,216 men) who had attempted to conceive. Sex-specific, age-adjusted, Holm-Bonferroni-corrected logistic regression assessed associations between socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health variables and fertility problems. Within the analytical sample, 28.9% of respondents reported fertility problems (36.6% of women and 17.4% of men). In women, the strongest associations were observed for fallopian tube obstruction (OR = 23.0), polycystic ovary syndrome (OR = 5.35), and endometriosis (OR = 2.82), whereas a history of prior pregnancy (OR = 0.26) and better self-rated mental health (OR = 0.76) were associated with lower odds. In men, associations were limited to the use of reproductive supplements (OR = 4.06), varicocele or epididymal cysts (OR = 3.08), and a history of sexually transmitted infection (OR = 4.60). In both sexes, associations with behaviours such as supplement use and specific conception strategies likely reflect reverse causation, marking active help-seeking rather than causal risk factors. Given the self-selected sampling method, these findings should not be interpreted as population-level prevalence estimates for Poland, but confirm established clinical correlates alongside distinct socio-demographic and lifestyle patterns, underscoring the need for targeted reproductive health education. LAY SUMMARY: This study examined the frequency of fertility struggles among 8,000 Polish adults through the 2024 National Fertility Test, a nationwide online survey. Of the 5,532 participants who had attempted to conceive, 28.9% reported such difficulties.Factors linked to these struggles differed by sex.Due to the self-selected online nature of this cohort, results likely reflect participation bias from people currently attempting to conceive. Overall, the study underscores significant reproductive challenges in Poland, highlighting a strong, critical need for better health education and support tailored specifically to the Polish public.
Source: Reproduction and Fertility
DOI: 10.1530/raf-26-0056
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7212075250