Infertility has become a major emotional and societal challenge, with its rising rates sparking concerns across India. According to studies, the infertility rate has surged from 22.4% in 1992-93 to 25.3% in 2005-06, and then to 30.7% in 2015-16. This upward trend highlights a significant shift in both societal and health patterns over the years. Dr. Lekha KL, senior consultant at Apollo Adlux Hospital in Angamaly, offers insights into the causes behind the growing infertility rates in India and the emotional impacts on couples.
One key factor contributing to this rise is delayed marriage and childbirth, especially in urban areas. As people marry later, the biological clock ticks faster. Women’s fertility declines sharply after the age of 35, and men also experience a drop in sperm quality after 40. This delay in starting families can cause fertility issues even for those who initially conceived without difficulty.
Lifestyle changes are also playing a large role. Urbanization, a shift towards sedentary habits, and poor dietary choices have led to higher obesity rates, which disrupt hormonal balances that regulate reproduction. Stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption also take a toll on fertility. For men, these habits can reduce sperm count and motility, while for women, conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are becoming more common, making conception harder.
Environmental factors, including pollution and exposure to chemicals in plastics and pesticides, also interfere with hormonal functions crucial for conception. Stress, sleep deprivation, and untreated infections further complicate reproductive health. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders, which are linked to lifestyle changes, can affect ovulation and sperm production.
However, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress through techniques like yoga or meditation, and avoiding harmful substances can greatly reduce the risk of infertility. These lifestyle changes support overall reproductive health.
For women, PCOS is a leading cause of ovulatory dysfunction, which prevents regular egg release. Approximately 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by this condition. For men, oligospermia, or low sperm count, often discovered during fertility evaluations, can be attributed to lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, or varicoceles. Early diagnosis of conditions like PCOS and oligospermia is critical, as many couples remain unaware until they begin trying to conceive.
Beyond the physical struggles, infertility can lead to emotional distress. The longing for a child often brings grief, guilt, and a sense of loss. Couples may feel isolated by societal pressures or personal dreams, which can exacerbate their mental health struggles. Open communication between partners, therapy, and joining support groups can help couples navigate this emotional journey. Studies have shown that couples who attend therapy together experience lower stress levels and better emotional resilience.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized fertility treatments, offering new hope for couples struggling with infertility. Advances in ART, including refined in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), have improved success rates. PGD allows for genetic testing of embryos, reducing the risk of inherited disorders, and techniques like egg and sperm freezing have made fertility preservation a viable option for many.
In conclusion, infertility is a complex challenge with a range of contributing factors. However, with the right lifestyle changes, emotional support, and medical interventions, individuals and couples can find hope and solutions for building their families.
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