Karnataka’s fertility rate, according to the Sample Registration System from the Census, stands at 1.6 children per adult female, well below the replacement rate. In line with National Infertility Week, it is crucial to raise awareness about infertility, provide emotional support to couples facing fertility challenges, and reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.
The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 6 couples globally face infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. This year’s National Infertility Week theme, #ALLinFertility, encourages individuals to seek support from clinicians, psychologists, family, and the workplace when dealing with infertility.
According to Nova IVF Fertility, one of India’s leading fertility chains, approximately 10% of women battling infertility experience severe depression, and 50-60% face moderate stress due to fertility issues. This highlights the importance of emotional support in the infertility journey.
Timely consultation with fertility specialists is essential for couples struggling to conceive for over a year. Initial assessments for women include hormone level tests like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which measures ovarian reserve, and ultrasounds to detect conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). For men, semen analysis helps assess sperm health, as male factors contribute to about 30% of infertility cases, including low sperm count or absence of sperm.
Several factors contribute to infertility, including hormonal imbalances, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices. Dr. Apurva Satish Amarnath, a fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, explains that approximately 30% of infertility cases are related to male factors, another 30% to female factors like ovulation disorders and age, while 10% are classified as unexplained infertility. The remaining 30% involves a combination of male and female factors. Dr. Amarnath recommends seeking a consultation with a fertility specialist after 12 months of trying to conceive without success, or after six months for women over 35.
In addition to the physical challenges, infertility also has a significant psychological impact. Many couples experience feelings of low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, heightened stress, and even suicidal thoughts due to the emotional toll of infertility. Diana Divya Crasta, Chief Psychological Counselor at Nova IVF Fertility, emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues during this journey. She highlights that societal pressure, family expectations, and stigma often contribute to anxiety and depression among couples.
Family support plays a critical role in the fertility journey. Instead of pressuring couples with questions about family planning, relatives should offer understanding and respect for privacy. Creating a supportive environment helps couples navigate both the medical and emotional aspects of infertility.
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