Reproductive postponement as a clinical problem: biological limits, reproductive difficulties and psychosexual impact on the couple
Authors:
Marek Broul 1-3; Aneta Hujová 3; Jiřina Kocourková 4; Tonko Mardeši 5,6
Authors‘ workplace:
Sexuologické oddělení, Krajská zdravotní, a. s. – Masarykova nemocnice v Ústí nad Labem, o. z.
1; Urologické oddělení, Krajská zdravotní, a. s. – Nemocnice Litoměřice, o. z.
2; Fakulta zdravotnických studií Univerzity J. E. Purkyně v Ústí nad Labem.
3; Katedra demografie a geodemografie PřF UK v Praze
4; Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 3. LF UK a FNKV, Praha
5; PRONATAL Sanatorium, Praha
6
Published in:
Čas. Lék. čes. 2026; 165: 187-192
Category:
Review Article
Overview
Reproductive postponement in contemporary Czechia is not only a demographic trend but also a clinically relevant challenge. Delaying parenthood increases the probability of prolonged time to pregnancy, reproductive difficulties, need for specialized fertility care and non–realization of reproductive intentions. This narrative review integrates Czech demographic evidence with clinical aspects of female and male reproductive ageing, couple-based infertility evaluation, and the possibilities and limitations of assisted reproduction. Particular attention is paid to the psychosexual impact of prolonged attempts to conceive, including loss of sexual spontaneity, pressure associated with timed intercourse, reduced desire, erectile and ejaculatory difficulties, dyspareunia, shame, silence and treatment fatigue. The article emphasizes early, realistic and non–judgmental fertility education, simultaneous assessment of both partners, and interdisciplinary cooperation among gynaecology, reproductive medicine, urology, andrology, sexual medicine and psychosocial care. The aim is not to impose normative pressure toward earlier parenthood, but to support informed reproductive decision–making and reduce the health and relational consequences of late initiation of reproductive plans.
Keywords:
assisted reproduction – infertility – Sexual dysfunction – reproductive postponement – reproductive ageing – couple relationship – fertility awareness
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Journal of Czech Physicians
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