She added that more research was needed to better understand the reasons behind infertility which may lead to problems during pregnancy and birth.

BBC: IVF 'not reason for birth risks'

Dr Faulkes and colleagues believe that a better understanding of what is going on in naked mole-rats could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in some stress-related infertility in humans and other mammals.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Clues to stress-infertility link

It can lead to serious long-term complications, such as the brittle bone disease osteoporosis, infertility and cancer of the small intestine.

BBC: Birthday link to digestive disorder