World IVF Day: Infertility is a silent epidemic – why is it important to tackle fertility problems? experts tell

World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist’s Day, is observed annually on 25 July to spread awareness about the development of IVF as a treatment option.

Infertility, which is characterized by the inability to conceive, is a complex issue with various underlying factors.

It has emerged as a silent epidemic in India, affecting lakhs of couples.
Infertility, which can affect both men and women, is reportedly affecting around 10-14 per cent of Indian couples, according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR).

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However, due to social taboos and lack of awareness, many individuals and couples suffer silently, delaying or avoiding seeking appropriate medical help.

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Amita N, Consultant Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Expert, Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Electronic City, Bengaluru, cited rising cases of declining ovarian reserve in women as a major reason behind rising infertility.

Ameeta explained that some women see a decrease in ovarian reserve, that is, the ovaries can slow down egg production, even before the perimenopausal stage, which is known as premature ovarian failure or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), making it more challenging for women to become pregnant.

“Due to genetic predisposition and family history, the disease can affect women above the age of 20. In such situations, the girl’s mother and grandmother have a family history of undergoing menopause at a relatively young age.

“In these situations, doctors usually recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is the most popular form of care for women with premature ovarian insufficiency, to reduce the symptoms of POI. The body receives estrogen and other hormones that the ovaries are unable to produce,” said the doctor, who is seeing 2 to 4 patients with premature ovarian failure a month.

Although there is no technique to increase egg production or restore ovarian reserve, infertility treatments, including IVF, can help women conceive naturally or freeze eggs for future use.

Another reason cited by doctors is the rise in male infertility, which can be attributed to various factors like changing lifestyle, lack of timely diagnosis or treatment, and environmental factors.

Although “awareness levels have gone up, many men do not come forward to address or seek treatment for the condition”, said Amita, who is seeing 25 new patients in the OPD every month.

“Men should focus on periconceptional counseling to address any potential problems with their sperm that may affect fertility or the health of the baby. For example, men with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.

“It will also help address lifestyle factors that can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes, such as smoking, alcohol use, or exposure to environmental toxins, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress. By making healthy lifestyle choices before conception, men can help optimize their sperm health and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy,” Amita told IANS.

According to Soma Singh, Senior Consultant, Department of IVF and Infertility, Jaypee Hospital, “delayed marriage and childbearing among women” is a significant factor in increasing the infertility rate.

“In addition, the increase in sexually transmitted diseases has affected fertility. Low physical activity in modern lifestyles, job-related stress and obesity also play a role. Environmental pollution further complicates the issue.”

“Sadly, the social stigma associated with infertility often prevents individuals from seeking timely treatment from infertility specialists.

Recognizing these factors and overcoming stigma is key to tackling the growing challenges of infertility and finding appropriate support and solutions, Soma said.