Infertility is silently affecting millions of lives around the world, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and even national economies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), It affects one in six people globally. Despite a population of over 1.4 billion, India is also dealing with infertility. The Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction reports that there are approximately 27.5 million infertile people in India, including both men and women. Infertility specialist Ashwini S also told IANS, "In India, around 15-20 million couples are infertile, and male infertility contributes to around 40% of this." This statement implies that infertility affects nearly 60% of women in the country.
Now, let's delve into the data. According to the fifth National Family Health Survey, conducted between 2019 and 2021, the overall prevalence of infertility among currently married women aged 15-49 years who have been married for at least five years is reported as 18.7 per 1,000 women. The survey also indicates that infertility rates increase with shorter marriage durations, peaking at 42.9 per 1,000 for those married for one year. Another report titled "Prevalence of Primary Infertility and its Associated Risk Factors in Urban Population of Central India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study" reported that 8.9% of women aged 15-49 in urban Central India experience primary infertility. This study included 570 married women and found that 51 of them were classified as having primary infertility.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a condition affecting the male or female reproductive system. It is defined as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sex. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that some causes of infertility are preventable. Treatment of infertility often involves in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other types of medically assisted reproduction.
What is Female Infertility?
"Female infertility" refers to a woman's inability to get pregnant after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. If a woman is over 35, doctors begin diagnosing infertility after six months of trying to conceive. For women under 35, infertility is considered after a year of trying. It's important to remember that regular intercourse without using birth control is necessary to try to get pregnant.
N.B., Female infertility can be either primary or secondary. Let's know about it:
Primary infertility: If a woman has never been pregnant and cannot conceive, this is known as primary infertility. For women over 35, this diagnosis is considered after six months of trying to get pregnant. For women under 35, primary infertility is diagnosed after one year of trying.
Secondary infertility: If a woman has had at least one successful pregnancy and birth but is unable to conceive again, this condition is known as secondary infertility.
Causes of Female Infertility:
Getting pregnant and successfully carrying a child can be a complicated process. Many things can go wrong, leading to infertility, especially in women. So, what usually causes female infertility? Female infertility can result from a variety of factors affecting the female reproductive system, such as:
Anovulation or Not Ovulating: According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 40% of women who experience infertility have issues with ovulation. This can be caused by factors like primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ageing, endocrine disorders like thyroid disease, poor lifestyle choices, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Problems in the Menstrual Cycle: Periods prepare the female body for pregnancy. This cycle has multiple phases. If a problem occurs can any of them, it can lead to infertility.
Fallopian Tube Damage: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can stop eggs or sperm from moving through the tubes. This blockage prevents fertilization from happening.
Uterine Abnormalities: Structural issues in the uterus, like fibroids or polyps, can cause problems. These issues can interfere with the implantation of an embryo. They can also make it difficult to maintain a pregnancy.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause problems with fertility.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormone disorders can disrupt the menstrual cycle and affect ovulation. This can make it difficult to get pregnant.
Age: As women age, especially after 35, their fertility can decline because the number and quality of eggs decrease. With many women marrying later, egg freezing offers a valuable option to preserve fertility for the future.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, can negatively impact fertility.
Infertility Can Disrupt Indian Economy:
Recently, Dr. Ajay Murdia, Founder of Indira IVF, spoke with PTI about India's growing infertility crisis. He pointed out that this issue is a serious threat to millions of families and could affect the country's future population. Currently, around 27.5 million married couples in India are trying to conceive, but only about 275,000 IVF cycles are performed each year.
The doctor warned that rising infertility rates might lead to a "silent epidemic" in India. With 80% of the population under 50, increasing infertility could reduce the country's youthful demographic. This change could affect the economy by shrinking the workforce and slowing economic growth and productivity. Additionally, infertility often causes anxiety and depression, which can lower overall well-being.
Females who want to prevent infertility can follow these tips:
1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Exercise moderately. If you can't go to the gym, then try walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming.
3. Don't smoke.
4. Stop consuming alcohol.
5. If you're ready to have children, don't delay.
N.B., nowadays many women are choosing to get married later, which delays starting a family. Doctors advise that getting pregnant becomes more challenging after age 35. For those who want to prioritize their careers first, egg freezing is a valuable option. It gives women the flexibility to decide when they are ready for motherhood.
So, what is egg freezing?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them, and storing them for future use. This process helps preserve fertility and allows women to delay pregnancy until they are ready.
Conclusion:
The rising rates of female infertility, especially in India, pose a serious challenge with far-reaching consequences. It could impact the country’s future demographic. Many causes of infertility are preventable or manageable with lifestyle changes and medical treatments. As society evolves, with more women delaying motherhood for career pursuits, options like egg freezing offer hope for future family planning. However, it is crucial to address infertility in both women and men. We must approach this issue with empathy and compassion, avoiding gender bias. By tackling this silent epidemic head-on, we can help ensure a healthier, more balanced future for individuals and nations alike.
