1 in 4 Couples in India facing infertility issues

Hyderabad: Infertility is increasingly becoming a global concern, with 1 in 4 couples in India facing difficulties conceiving. This alarming trend positions India as a potential epicenter for fertility challenges, particularly impacting couples in urban and semi-urban regions. Dr Durga G. Rao, co-founder and medical director of Oasis Fertility, emphasised the urgent need for educational initiatives to address rising infertility rates, attributing them to lifestyle choices and environmental factors. At a recent event in Hyderabad, she underscored the importance of preventive measures.

Regional Fertility Trends

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the average fertility rate currently stands at 1.7, approaching the replacement level of 2.1. Doctors have noted an alarming increase in infertility rates in South India compared to the North. Dr Durga cautioned that if this trend continues, India could face a declining population similar to Japan and Korea, leading to serious economic consequences. She clarified misconceptions about IVF, stating, “IVF treatments can be conducted in any season without issues.”

Factors Contributing to Infertility

Lifestyle choices are a significant factor in the rising infertility rates. Busy work schedules, smoking, alcohol consumption, and environmental pollution contribute to the issue. Dr Durga advocates for heightened awareness and timely interventions. She also highlighted the growing acceptance of social freezing, or egg freezing, for individuals postponing parenthood due to career commitments. A study suggested that a 30-year-old Indian woman may have reproductive health comparable to that of a 36-year-old European woman, influenced by environmental and genetic factors.

Male Fertility Issues on the Rise

Male fertility issues have also surged by 20 per cent over the past 30 years, driven by lifestyle choices and a lack of awareness. Factors such as smoking and excessive heat exposure contribute to declining sperm counts.

Financial Implications of Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatments can impose a significant financial burden, often costing upwards of ₹1.75 lakh. However, financing options such as EMIs and health insurance are available to support couples on their journey to parenthood.

Expert Insights on Infertility

Dr Vasundara Cheepurupalli, senior consultant gynecologist, cosmetic gynecologist, and obstetrician at KIMS Hospital, highlighted the sharp rise in infertility, attributing it to today’s hectic lifestyles, delayed marriages, and environmental factors. She noted that irregular menstrual cycles in women and low sperm counts in men are major contributing factors.

The Need for Early Check-ups

Highlighting the need for young girls to undergo examinations, Dr Safia Shaheen S., a senior gynecologist, stated, “It is so sad to see how girls and women only discover their gynecological issues after marriage when they start facing difficulties in conceiving.” She stressed the importance of normalizing reproductive health check-ups for both girls and boys in India, advocating for ultrasounds at least once they hit puberty.

The Impact of Busy Lifestyles

Dr Cheepurupalli explained that couples often lead busy lives with differing work schedules, leaving little time for each other, which affects them both physically and psychologically. She emphasized that the 20s are an ideal time for couples to plan pregnancy, as it supports the health of both mother and child.

Future Considerations and Recommendations

Dr Durga believes that women should consider pregnancy before the age of 32 and recommends that young adults undergo reproductive health check-ups at least once after turning 28. Education about reproductive health should begin in schools, with many check-ups now possible at home.

Innovative treatments

Several innovative treatments had been introduced to support couples aspiring to start families, including CAPA In Vitro Maturation (IVM)—a drug-free IVF option beneficial for patients with PCOS—and advanced treatments like Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) and Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE). These advancements aim to increase the chances of healthy pregnancies for couples facing chromosomal challenges.