Hyderabad: Infertility was not a concern Spoorthi*, a 29-year-old professional, had anticipated she would face. After successfully completing her Chartered Accountancy and securing a position at one of the prestigious Big Four firms, Spoorthi married a year ago, only to find herself grappling with the challenge of conception. “My husband and I are struggling to conceive and have started consulting fertility doctors about our options,” she disclosed, revealing the daunting reality she now faces.
Similarly, Ayesha*, who has been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for nearly five years, expressed the weight of her emotional burden: “Our attempts at In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) have failed three times, and we’re now worried we may never have our own children.” These heartfelt experiences underscore an increasingly prevalent issue among young couples in the Telugu states. Many professionals are postponing family planning due to the relentless pressures of building careers, compounded by health complications.
Fertility experts are sounding the alarm over concerning lifestyle and environmental factors that are progressively shortening the fertility window for both men and women. In Telangana, the total fertility rate (TFR) has plummeted to 1.8, starkly below the national average of 2. Additionally, healthcare professionals have noted a significant shift: the optimal age for healthy conception and childbirth has decreased from 35 to 32 for the majority of Indian women.
Dr. Durga Rao, the co-founder and medical director of Oasis Fertility, has highlighted this alarming trend throughout the Telugu states. He remarked, “Earlier, one in six couples encountered infertility; now, it’s one in four.” The situation is particularly critical in South Indian states, especially Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which exhibit a TFR considerably below the national average.
Dr. Preethi Reddy, a fertility specialist consultant at Rainbow Hospitals, elaborates on the impact of modern lifestyles and environmental toxins on reproductive health. “About 30% of our infertility cases fall into the category of ‘unexplained infertility,’ often associated with poor sperm fertilization and reduced ovarian reserve. Alarmingly, we are encountering instances of infertility in women as young as 25 and 26.”
Dr. Prasad Munaganuru, an embryologist at Anu Test Tube Baby Centre, observes a generational shift in reproductive health. “Sperm counts are exhibiting significant differences between fathers and their sons. Approximately 10-15% of individuals are estimated to be infertile, and advancements in technology are bringing these cases to light.”
In light of these concerning trends, medical professionals are urging couples to prioritize conceiving sooner rather than risking the uncertainty of future family planning. Dr. Durga Rao emphasizes that replicating Western lifestyles may not be feasible in India: “There is a six-year fertility gap between Western Caucasian women and Indian women. A 30-year-old Indian woman has a reproductive age equivalent to that of a 36-year-old Caucasian woman.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Preethi Reddy points out, “Peak fertility occurs under the age of 30; after that, the chances of conception decrease each year.” She recommends that career-driven women explore the option of freezing their eggs to facilitate later conception. “With today’s technology, we can support couples with significantly low sperm counts in their quest for parenthood,” Dr. Munaganuru adds.
Experts are now suggesting that both men and women should undergo fertility evaluations starting around ages 27-28, given the declining quality of sperm and the health risks posed by microplastics and lifestyle-related ailments. “If I encounter a woman aged 26 or 27 with low fertility potential, I advocate for her to undergo testing. The same recommendation applies to men grappling with lifestyle challenges,” advised Dr. Preethi Reddy.
To accommodate this growing need, Dr. Durga Rao shared, “Oasis is already providing door-to-door fertility tests for both men and women,” making it easier for individuals to seek assistance without significant disruption to their routines.
(* Names changed to protect their identity)
Interview with Dr. Durga Rao, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Oasis Fertility
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rao, for joining us today. The recent statistics on infertility in the Telugu states are quite alarming. Can you explain why you think we are seeing such a significant increase in infertility cases?
Dr. Rao: Thank you for having me. The rise in infertility rates, now affecting one in four couples, can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the societal shift towards prioritizing career and education often leads couples to delay family planning. Furthermore, lifestyle changes, including poor dietary habits, increased stress levels, and exposure to environmental toxins, are contributing to declining reproductive health.
Interviewer: It sounds like a complex issue. Are there specific lifestyle changes that young professionals can make to improve their fertility prospects?
Dr. Rao: Absolutely. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and avoiding environmental toxins can significantly enhance fertility. Additionally, regular health check-ups and consultations with fertility specialists can identify potential issues early on.
Interviewer: You mentioned a concerning trend where the optimal age for conception has decreased. Could you elaborate on this?
Dr. Rao: Yes, traditionally, women were advised to conceive before the age of 35, but we’re now seeing complications arise in women even in their early thirties. This shift means that couples should ideally begin considering family planning in their late twenties to early thirties to avoid potential fertility issues.
Interviewer: Dr. Rao, we’ve heard personal stories from couples struggling with infertility. What message do you have for them?
Dr. Rao: It’s important for couples facing infertility to know they are not alone. Support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial. Exploring options like IVF can be daunting, but with advancements in medical science, many couples do achieve successful pregnancies. Seeking emotional as well as medical support can make a significant difference in their journey.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Rao. It’s clear that addressing infertility requires both awareness and proactive measures.
Dr. Rao: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation, and together we can help foster a better understanding of fertility health.
Interview with Ayesha, an Individual Struggling with Infertility
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Ayesha. You’ve been on a tough journey with infertility. Can you share a bit about your experience?
Ayesha: Thank you for having me. It’s been one of the most challenging periods of my life. After nearly five years of trying to conceive and facing three failed IVF attempts, I often feel like I’m in an emotional rollercoaster. Each setback weighs heavily on both my husband and me.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly difficult. What do you think are the main challenges faced by couples like yours in trying to conceive?
Ayesha: I think a big part of it is the pressure we feel to establish our careers first. Many young professionals rightly prioritize their jobs, which can lead to delayed family planning. It’s only later that we realize the biological clock is ticking and that our bodies aren’t as forgiving as we’d hoped.
Interviewer: Have you found any support during your journey?
Ayesha: Yes, I’ve sought support from fertility clinics and online communities. Sharing stories with others who are going through similar struggles has been immensely helpful. It’s reassuring to know that we are not alone in this journey and that there can be hope even after losses.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message would you like to share with others facing similar struggles?
Ayesha: I want them to know that it’s okay to seek help and talk about their experiences. It can be a taboo subject, but discussing it can alleviate some of the emotional burden. Trust your healthcare providers and don’t lose hope; there are options out there, and every journey is unique.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ayesha, for sharing your poignant story with us. It’s essential to keep these conversations going to raise awareness and foster understanding.
Names have been changed for privacy reasons.*
I. We try to stay hopeful, but it gets harder with each disappointment.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly difficult. In your experience, what has been the most challenging aspect of this journey?
Ayesha: The emotional toll has been immense. Sometimes, it feels isolating because people don’t often talk about these struggles. I’ve also faced societal pressure and questions about when we’re going to have children, which adds to the stress. It’s a lonely journey, even though my husband is supportive.
Interviewer: Have you found any support or resources that have helped you cope during this time?
Ayesha: Yes, speaking with other women who are going through similar experiences has been invaluable. There are also online forums and support groups where we can share our stories and feelings. Additionally, consultations with professionals like fertility specialists and counselors have helped us navigate this journey better.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to couples who might be hesitant to seek help or are struggling with their own infertility challenges?
Ayesha: I would say don’t wait too long to seek help. The earlier you consult with a specialist, the better. It can be daunting, but knowledge is powerful. Also, lean on your support system—friends, family, or support groups. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Interviewer: Thank you for your candidness, Ayesha. Your words will surely resonate with many. What is your hope for the future as you continue this journey?
Ayesha: I hope for resilience and strength, no matter the outcome. I want for myself and my husband to discover joy in the journey, regardless of whether we eventually have children. Above all, I hope we find peace with whatever path we end up on.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Ayesha. It’s important for people to hear these experiences and understand they are not alone.
Ayesha: Thank you for the opportunity to speak about it. I hope it helps someone out there.
