ONE child in every Australian classroom has been conceived through IVF, while one in six couples need fertility treatment to help realise their dream of having a family.
Despite the figures, research shows only 11 per cent of women at child-bearing age are concerned about their ability to conceive naturally.
The findings from national fertility support group AccessAustralia will be released today to mark the 30th birthday of Australia's first IVF baby, Candice Reed, and have prompted a warning for couples to keep time with their biological clock.
"We know women face challenges in finding Mr Right and juggling career responsibilities . . . however all men and women need to be aware that age is still the number one preventable cause of infertility," AccessAustralia chief executive Sandra Dill said.
A second marriage and the hope she'd conceive as easily as her mother did at 38 led Narene Macartney, of Adamstown, to try for a baby in her late 30s.
"My grandmother and great grandmother had children late too so I just assumed I would be OK," she said. "Age turned out to be a big factor."
Mrs Macartney and husband Wayne turned to IVF when she was 40 and had son Elliott two years later.
"It was just phenomenal, it's life changing," Mrs Macartney said.
"I recommend that people who want to have children shouldn't hesitate going to get advice and certainly don't leave it too long."
Email a friend