Physicians Facing Challenges in Starting Families Due to Delayed Childbearing

A recent survey conducted in 2023 involving 1,056 women physicians uncovers a concerning trend: despite their extensive understanding of age-related fertility issues, a significant majority—75%—postpone having children, and over 33% encounter infertility challenges. Findings published in JAMA Network Open highlight a stark reality. Female doctors typically initiate family life at a median age of 32, compared to 27 among women without medical careers, as reported in JAMA Internal Medicine. This postponement correlates with a doubled risk of infertility among female physicians relative to the general female population of reproductive age. The issue isn't a lack of awareness. Instead, the demanding timelines of medical training often overlap with peak reproductive years, forcing physicians into difficult choices that impact not only their personal lives but also their capacity to provide optimal patient care.