Kochi: An expert has said that infertility is estimated to have affected 15 percent of the population in India and it is not a gender specific issue.
“The issues are more common in urban area with one out of six couple experiencing infertility issues. Fifty percent affected is male partner aggravated mainly by work conditions, stress, exposure to pollutants, obesity, toxins, high temperature, alcohol and drug abuse," Dr Gouri Devi, president of Indian Fertility Society, who is attending the 14th annual conference of Indian Fertility Society (IFS) on Assisted Reproduction, ‘Fertivison 2018’, here said.
“Contributing factors are aplenty. Lifestyle diseases, obesity, diabetes, industrial and environmental toxins, chemical contaminants, pesticide residues in food, genetic changes, sexually transmitted infections, unfettered use of emergency contraception , deferring parenthood and et al,” Dr. M. Gouri Devi said.
The three-days meet organised under the theme 'Beyond all limits- Breakth-rough to Excellence’ is witnessing the largest assembly of gynaecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, fertility experts, and a convergence of all scientific fields in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The meet is discussing the best procedures and practices across the world for improved treatment outcomes.
Prof MKC Nair, Vice Chancellor, Kerala Univer-sity of Health Sciences (KUHS), inaugurated the conference. Dr M.E. Sugat-han, president IMA , Kera-la state branch presided.
Dr. M. Gouri Devi said that the health sector need to increase awareness, access and affordability of reproductive healthcare and interventions, taking into account the magnitude of infertility problems in India. Dr. Pankaj Talwar, Secretary General, Dr. Sudha Prasad, Dr. Fessy Louis, Dr. K.U. Kunjimoideen, Dr. M. Venugopal and Dr. G. Parasuram also spoke in the inaugural session.
