Infertility and long-term health problems – study

A new study is investigating the links between infertility and long-term health issues in Hispanic women of Mexican heritage.

Research suggests that female infertility is often associated with greater risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Hispanic women are up to 70 per cent more likely to experience infertility than white women, yet little is known about their long-term health.

They also will investigate the risk of heart disease and premature mortality for women with a history of infertility.

Researchers hope to determine the risk of breast cancer and gynecological cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer, for women with a history of infertility compared with those who have given birth.

Associate professor Leslie Farland said: “Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, and 60 per cent of Hispanics have Mexican heritage. We need to know more about infertility and related health risks in this group.

“We hope this project is the first step toward personalised screening recommendations that improve women’s health and lengthen women’s lives.”

The research project is led by University of Arizona Health Sciences and the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública in Mexico; and is backed by a US$2.2 million National Institutes of Health grant.

The ultimate goal of the study is to inform personalised care strategies for millions in this population and improve health outcomes through early screenings and interventions.

Farland said existing research on infertility and long-term health outcomes among Hispanic women is sparse. Among the studies that have been conducted, there are key limitations, such as short follow-ups, small sample sizes and a lack of detailed information on infertility histories, diagnoses and treatments.

She has been collaborating with the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública since 2016, including using data from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort study. More than 115,000 women enrolled in the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort study in 2006 and are still providing data 18 years later.

“Research on this topic requires large samples with detailed, longitudinal data,” she said. “It can only be accomplished by bringing together international experts and data sources.”