The Devastating Link Between Early-Life Diseases and Lifelong Childlessness
A study conducted by researchers from Harvard and Oxford University suggests that being diagnosed with certain health conditions in one's 20s can increase the likelihood of being childless later in life. The study, which included 2.5 million participants from Sweden and Finland, found that behavioral health issues such as alcoholism and schizophrenia had the greatest influence on childlessness among men, while autoimmune and inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disorders were more likely to result in childlessness among women. The study identified 74 different conditions associated with childlessness, including mental health disorders, birth defects, and metabolic disorders. These findings contribute to the understanding of factors contributing to declining birth rates and highlight the need for improved public health interventions.