Unveiling the Infertility Epidemic: How Hormones, Habits, and Health Choices Shape Our Fertility Future

Enhancing access to healthcare services, educational initiatives, awareness programs, and support networks can greatly improve the standard of reproductive healthcare, dismantle the stigma, counter the trend, and foster healthier families in India.

Reproductive health is on the decline, and this poses a concern for individuals globally, not just in India. As per the National Library of Medicine, one in every six adult couples of reproductive age is experiencing infertility struggles. Furthermore, another study from the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility reveals that the infertility rate stands at 18.7 per 1,000 women among those married for a minimum of five years and currently in partnership. This rate escalates as the duration of marriage shortens.

Critical Factors Contributing To Infertility

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: By now, everyone is familiar with PCOS or irregular menstrual patterns, stemming from excessive androgen levels or the presence of cysts in ovaries, making it a primary factor contributing to infertility. Research indicates that between 3.7% to 22.5% of women across various regions suffer from PCOS, leading to a range of symptoms such as excessive body hair, weight gain, and infertility. On the contrary, PCOD can arise from genetic factors or a lack of physical activity, characterized by minimal nutritional intake in diets and insufficient exercise.
2. Age-Related Hormonal Variations: Nowadays, a growing number of individuals are choosing to marry and become parents later in life, which has raised concerns regarding fertility. Studies suggest that women’s fertility rates decline after the age of 30, with a significant drop after 35. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 12% of Indian women experience menopause before the age of 40.
3. Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism adversely affect fertility. Given the crucial role of thyroid hormones in reproduction, an imbalance can result in ovulation challenges and even miscarriages.

Substance Abuse And Its Adverse Effects On Fertility

Currently, it is quite prevalent among adolescents, young adults, and older individuals to indulge in alcohol consumption, smoking, and various drugs, which have become significant causes of infertility in India correlated with diminished fertility rates in both sexes. Chronic smoking diminishes sperm quality in men, including reduced motility and abnormal morphology. In females, it disrupts hormonal balance, accelerates the decline of egg reserves, and leads to complications during pregnancy. Similarly, excessive alcohol use causes hormonal disruptions, affecting both men and women in terms of sperm generation and ovulation, respectively. Alcohol consumption can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and increases the likelihood of miscarriages. Research has indicated that using certain drugs can also cause testicular shrinkage and a reduced sperm count.

Lifestyle Modifications Affecting Reproductive Health

1. Junk and processed foods that are rich in sugars, additives, unhealthy fats, and lack nutritional value significantly impact our reproductive health.
2. The lack of physical activity and poor work-life balance in conjunction with advancing technology has resulted in various lifestyle diseases, particularly rising obesity rates in India, which are primarily linked to hormonal imbalances that lead to the deterioration of ovarian function and sperm production.
3. The stress associated with managing work, family, and personal life can become overwhelming, potentially resulting in heightened anxiety. Chronic stress adversely influences hormone production and ovulation in women while degrading sperm quality in men. This condition can also contribute to sexual dysfunction in numerous couples.

To address the increasing infertility rates in India, implementing fertility coaching through a comprehensive approach is vital, focusing on dismantling social stigma, discrimination, pressure to conceive, and societal isolation.