Although known to be the second most populous country in the world, statistics state that the

fertility rates in India have decreased by 50% in the last 25 years. In the coming years, this is
expected to decline below the replacement level at which the population is known to be steady.
According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, one out of six couples in the urban
area is affected by fertility issues. Thus, approximately 30 million individuals are known to be
suffering from infertility.

Causes and Risks

The causes and risks associated with fertility issues are plenty. Due to the change in
environmental conditions, economy, society and other factors, the causes for fertility issues
havealso doubled. To begin with, age is a factor that is often related to difficulty in conception.
Women above the age of 35 are known to have difficulties and with increased choice of delayed
pregnancy, often due to career choices, fertility is easily affected. Physiological issues include
complications with ovulation – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure
(loss of eggs from ovaries), imbalance of hormones; issues with the fallopian tubes (damage or
blockage), endometriosis (extra tissue growth), and uterine factors such as tumours,
inflammation, birth defects etc. Of late, it has been noted that a lot of women under the age of 30
experience low levels of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), which leads to ageing of the ovaries
faster than one’s chronological age.
Several lifestyle practices that are on the rise have also added as risk factors. Smoking, intake of
alcohol and several recreational drugs are known to affect fertility. Smoking damages the cervix
and fallopian tubes, increasing chances of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Obesity or being
overweight affects the normal process of ovulation, due to lack of exercise and sedentary
lifestyle. Stress, due to increased working hours, career goals or other factors, is another huge
impediment that adds to fertility issues. Hormonal imbalances are often caused by high-stress
levels.
The above risk factors are in fact interlinked to each other. More stress leads people to indulge in
certain habits. This could lead to other physical conditions that need to be corrected in order to
conceive.

A solution to this problem

Although the picture looks a bit grim, measures can be taken up in preventing the situation or
correcting the same, in cases of complications. First and foremost, it is important for women to
pay special attention to their health. Eating well, healthy and on time is of prime importance.
A healthy and balanced diet, free of junk and full of anti-oxidants (berries, beans, dark chocolate,
red cabbage etc) helps improve fertility. Regular exercising to keep the Body-Mass Index (BMI)
in the normal range of 18.9 to 25, helps in healthy ovulation. It helps prevent issues of PCOS,
hormonal imbalance etc. Regular health check-ups on blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid are
also essential. At other times, certain factors may be far more complicated and require medical
help. It is important to consult an experienced gynaecologist who understands the conditions and
has a well-equipped centre with all the facilities to provide the right kind of treatment.
At, Dr Swetha.Y.Baratikkae’s Janisthaa Fertility Center and Hospital, located in
Basaveshwar Nagar, numerous expectant couples visit on a day to day basis with a wide range of
problems. They are treated with the utmost care by all the staff and experts at the centre.
Diagnosis is made using the latest technology that is available under the same roof, to avoid the
patients from running pillar to post. Once diagnosed, the condition is explained in most simple
terms to create awareness and appropriate treatment method is suggested. Several visitors have
received successful treatment and have found the centre to be a place that truly opens the doors
of parenthood.