Reproductive pathways across the lifespan and their mental health impacts

Reproductive health unfolds across the lifespan, and individuals may move through diverse pathways – including infertility, chronic gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, pregnancy complications, assisted reproduction or gestational carriage. These experiences can heighten vulnerability to new-onset or recurrent mental illness. Using population-based ICES data, our recent work demonstrates that mental health risks arise across the entire reproductive trajectory. Integrating mental health support within fertility care, gynecology, obstetrics and primary care is essential for equitable and person-centred reproductive health in Canada’s universal healthcare system.