
Natural Infertility Treatment vs IVF
Infertility Treatments & IVF for People of Color
The inequities in our society are far from resolved – often leading to tragic consequences for people of color. Sadly, one area where Black and Hispanic individuals also suffer from inequality is in the area of infertility rates and treatments.
Statistical studies show that Black and Hispanic women have higher rates of infertility compared to white women. This is believed to be due to a complex interplay of biological, social, and economic factors.
And, despite an increase in the use of fertility treatments among patients of color over the past five years, Black and Hispanic minorities still have reduced access to fertility treatments such as IVF, as well as a lower success rate with IVF in the United States.
Increased Infertility in Blacks & Hispanics
A study published in the journal “Fertility and Sterility” found that Black women have a 50% higher incidence of infertility compared to white women, and Hispanic women have a 30% higher incidence. Experts postulate that these higher rates of infertility among Black and Hispanic women compared to Caucasian women is a result of a complicated combination of biological, social, and economic factors.
Chronic stress can interfere with ovulation and negatively impact fertility. Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic women experience higher levels of stress due to systemic racism and discrimination, which can contribute to infertility. For example, a study published in the “Journal of Women’s Health” found that Black and Hispanic women had higher levels of stress compared to white women.
Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides and industrial pollutants can negatively impact fertility. Studies have shown that minority populations, including Black and Hispanic women, are more likely to live in areas with higher levels of environmental pollution, which can increase their risk of infertility.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for infertility in both men and women. Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic women have higher rates of obesity compared to white women, which can negatively impact fertility. For example, a study published in the “Obesity Research” journal found that 48% of Black women and 44% of Hispanic women were overweight or obese, compared to 34% of white women.
And, according to the study “Ethnic diversity in fertility treatment,” 31% of Black patients experience fallopian tube disorders that affect their fertility, compared to only 18% of White patients.
Minority populations, including Black and Hispanic women, are also less likely to have access to healthcare and receive regular medical care. This can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions causing infertility, which can negatively impact their ability to conceive.
Reduced Access to IVF for Blacks & Hispanics
Because segments of minority populations, including Black and Hispanic women, are more likely to live in poverty they also have limited access to infertility treatments, such as IVF, due to their lack of insurance coverage and the exceedingly high cost of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Despite an increase in the use of fertility treatments among patients belonging to ethnic minorities over the past five years, Black patients begin IVF almost two years later than their white counterparts, at age 36, as opposed to the average Caucasian patient’s age of 34.
A recent study also found that Black women receiving IVF have the lowest birth rates of any ethnic group. New data from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that Black IVF patients aged 30-34 had an average birth rate of 23%, compared to 30% for mixed-race and white IVF patients.
Access to IVF is also limited for minority populations, who are less likely to have insurance coverage for the procedure and are more likely to live in areas with limited access to fertility clinics. A study published in the “American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” found that Black and Hispanic women were less likely to receive IVF treatment compared to white women, even when controlling for income and insurance status.
Furthermore, minority populations have a lower success rate with IVF compared to white populations. A study published in the “Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics” found that Black women had a lower success rate with IVF compared to white women, with only 30% of Black women achieving a live birth compared to 40% of white women.
Fertility Treatments & IVF for Black & Hispanic Women
Clearly these many disparities highlight the need for increased access to medical care, and greater support for fertility treatments among minority populations – especial Black and Hispanic women.
At Natural Fertility in Austin, TX internationally recognized fertility expert Dr. Ruthie Harper has consulted with more than 10,000 patients, offering the most advanced, affordable, and accessible techniques in natural, holistic, and integrative fertility treatments.
Dr. Harper provides patients who are struggling with infertility scientifically developed health protocols that focus on nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, bioidentical hormones, and other methods of rebalancing the body to naturally facilitate conception. This can often eliminate the need for expensive artificial fertility methods – including cost-prohibitive IVF.
While Black and Hispanic minority populations in the United States have a higher incidence of infertility, reduced access to IVF, and a lower success rate with IVF, natural fertility methods are safe, effective, and affordable for virtually any woman having difficulty conceiving.
If you have tried to become pregnant without success, Dr. Harper opens her practice doors to patients of all races with compassion, and more than twenty years of natural fertility experience. She will help you discover your personal path to total health, wellness, balance, and fertility – without expensive IVF – to help you become pregnant and achieve your dream of growing your family.
Natural Fertility Treatments for Black & Hispanic Women: 512-343-9355
FERTILITY BLOG
Thank you for visiting our Blog, where Dr. Harper keeps you updated on the latest treatments, technologies and information in the field of natural fertility medicine.
Dr. Ruthie Harper opened her internationally recognized medical practice in Austin, Texas, in 1999. Since that time, she has consulted with more than 10,000 patients, offering the most advanced techniques in natural, holistic and integrative health and wellness.
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