Lifestyle Factors and Infertility Among Women Aged 20–49 Years in Korea: A Web-Based Survey

Introduction: With later marriage in South Korea, infertility is a growing concern. We assessed whether everyday health behaviors are associated with infertility among women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: We conducted an online survey of women aged 20–49 years who had experienced infertility or childbirth since January 2020. Data were collected from October 5 to 10, 2023. Of 398 participants, 80 (20.1%) reported infertility and 318 (79.9%) reported childbirth. Group characteristics were compared, and the multivariate binary logistic regression identified factors associated with infertility. Results: Higher odds of infertility were observed for women over 35 compared with women of 20–34 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–4.99); for vegetable consumption on three days per week or fewer compared with four days or more (aOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.43–5.72); for no moderate-intensity physical activity compared with at least 1 day per week (aOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.00–4.02); and for anxiety (aOR: 11.48, 95% CI: 2.94–44.79). Current drinking (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.37–5.12) was positively associated with infertility. Each additional year of cohabitation with a spouse was associated with lower odds of infertility (aOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.92). Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that supporting health-related daily lifestyles—regular moderate-intensity activity, adequate vegetable intake, and prudent alcohol use—may help mitigate infertility risk.