Greek women seem to lack awareness regarding fertility issues. Both the state and the scientific community are taking action to bridge this knowledge gap. Experts emphasize that most women are unaware that 95% of their ovarian reserve is lost by the age of 35.

Greece has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and one of the highest average ages for women having their first child, as noted by speakers during the 19th Annual Panhellenic Conference of the Greek Intermunicipal Network of Healthy Cities (EDDYPPY), held in the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia (October 10-13). According to a study presented at the conference, 83% of women change their reproductive plans when they realize their reduced AMH levels, 36% accelerate their plans for a first pregnancy within the next two years, and around 28% consider egg freezing.

“Families today tend to be smaller, the number of women who could give birth if they wish is decreasing, and the age at which women have their first child is higher than in the past,” highlighted George Patoulis, president of the ISA and EDDIPPY, in his speech.

According to ELSTAT, in 2022 there were 76,541 births in Greece, with the new data for 2023 showing births at 71,456, a further decrease of 6.1%, while deaths in 2022 reached 140,801 and 128,101 in 2023.

Awareness initiatives on the necessity of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

EDDYPPY is implementing awareness campaigns to inform the public about the importance of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in predicting ovarian reserve. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair free fertility screening for women aged 30 to 35.

Speakers at the 19th Annual Conference noted that a woman’s total egg reserve forms during fetal life and continuously declines, with no possibility of renewal.

A pilot AMH measurement program has already begun in five municipalities of Attica, where women were informed about this important test and could take it for free. Actions have been carried out in the municipalities of Mandra-Eidyllia, Kifisia, Lokroi, Iraklio of Attica, and Agia Paraskevi, with plans to extend the program to more municipalities and women.

According to the speakers, measuring AMH provides a reliable estimate of ovarian reserve and helps women better understand their reproductive timeframe. This enables informed decisions regarding fertility preservation, such as having a child sooner if desired or freezing eggs before the age of 35.

“The inclusion of AMH testing in the municipal Health Centers marks the establishment of a culture of awareness and prevention at all stages of family planning,” said Mr. Patoulis, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to successfully implement this strategy. The free provision of AMH testing, especially for women aged 30-35, signals the start of a new era that allows women to make more informed family planning decisions.