Fertility experts examine reasons for falling births

Zhu Ru, an experienced obstetrician and artificial reproductive technology expert in Anqing, Anhui province, has witnessed firsthand China's shrinking birthrate.

"Some women fail to conceive because of inflammation in the reproductive system such as salpingitis, which is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes caused by a bacterial infection. Others suffer from ovulation disorders due to obesity or excessive weight loss," Zhu told China Daily after a busy morning of consultations with dozens of patients last month.

Zhu is a deputy director in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Anqing Municipal Hospital, a leading local medical facility in the eastern province.

He and his colleagues believe that many young couples are not simply unwilling to have a child, but instead are intimidated and frustrated by physical obstacles, pain, fear and lack of support. Financial incentives proposed by some economists and demographers are not a panacea to encourage births, they added.

In 2021, the rate of infertility among Chinese men and women of childbearing age was 7 to 10 percent, National Health Commission statistics showed. Of those dealing with infertility, an estimated 20 percent could benefit from artificial reproductive technology treatment.