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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

South Korean women hesitant about fertility tests despite health concerns

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • Despite growing awareness of female reproductive health, many South Korean women aged 30-39 have not checked their ovarian function via AMH tests.
  • Lack of information and perceived institutional limitations hinder women from undergoing these tests, with many citing not preparing for marriage or pregnancy as reasons.
  • Experts emphasize the need for accurate information and professional counseling alongside AMH testing, as results alone do not determine pregnancy possibility.

While awareness of women's reproductive health is increasing in South Korea, a significant gap exists between concern and action, particularly regarding ovarian function testing. A recent survey reveals that despite 55.1% of women aged 30-39 expressing concern about their reproductive health and 75.2% believing in the importance of proactive management, only 12.5% have undergone an AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) test.

The AMH is a hormone secreted by small follicles growing in the ovaries, measured through a blood test. This level can indirectly estimate the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries, or 'ovarian reserve'.

— Article textExplaining what the AMH hormone is and what the test measures.

The AMH test measures a hormone secreted by small follicles in the ovaries, providing an indirect estimate of ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs remaining. While it's a simple blood test and can be done at any point in the menstrual cycle, its results are not definitive for predicting pregnancy. Factors like age, egg quality, uterine health, and male fertility also play crucial roles. Experts stress that AMH results must be interpreted in consultation with a specialist.

Several barriers prevent women from taking the test. The most common reason cited by respondents was not currently preparing for marriage or pregnancy (43.5%). A notable percentage also admitted to not knowing enough about the AMH test (27.0%). Understanding of related terms also varied, with 'infertility' being widely known, but 'reproductive health' and 'AMH test' being less familiar. Conversely, knowledge about egg freezing was high, though often superficial.

AMH is only a test to estimate the 'number' of remaining eggs, not a test to evaluate egg 'quality'. Actual pregnancy possibility is influenced by various factors such as a woman's age, ovulation status, the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and male factors.

— Article textClarifying the limitations of the AMH test in predicting pregnancy.

There is strong support for integrating AMH testing into national health check-ups, with 68.6% of respondents agreeing it should be included. If it were part of the national screening, 74.7% indicated they would be willing to take the test. Furthermore, 66.7% believe a system linking test results to professional consultations is necessary. Experts caution that such integration must be accompanied by clear explanations and counseling to prevent misinterpretation of results and unnecessary anxiety, as low AMH doesn't always mean infertility and high AMH doesn't guarantee fertility.

The most common reason for not taking the test was 'not yet preparing for marriage or pregnancy' (43.5%), and a considerable number also responded 'I don't know much about the AMH test' (27.0%).

— Article textPresenting the primary reasons cited by women for not undergoing AMH testing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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