Infertility has been there in the world for a long time, not only in India but in other parts of the world too. In earlier times, and even now, infertility has been and still is considered inauspicious in India. It has been a taboo for a long time, even though India is the most preferred destination for medical tourists for fertility treatments.
Traditional Causes Of Infertility In India
Many couples these days are at risk of being affected by infertility. That is, they are at risk of being unable to conceive even after having unprotected intercourse. And there are many reasons for this infertility.
“In the past, female infertility accounted for 60% cases, male infertility for 25%, while combined factors were responsible in remaining cases. However, today the male factor is prevalent in 50% cases. One in every five healthy men, in 18 to 25 age group, suffer from abnormal sperm count. In every 100 couples, 40% males suffer from infertility, compared to 50% women. In the remaining 5%, the cause are common in both men and women,”
– Infertility expert, Anil Chittake of Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
Traditionally, they can be attributed to:
- Physical limitations
- Psychological problems
- Smoking, as it has been historically known to decrease fertility in both men and women. Hence, it is advisable to stop smoking as it may cause harm to the unborn child even after conceiving.
- Another historical evidence is of alcohol abuse. Alcohol causes many health hazards and infertility is one of them. Alcohol consumption damages the eggs and in men it reduces the sperm count and the quality of the sperms.
- Then there is risk from all kinds of stress and tension. They affect the fertility of both men and women, like ovulation in females and health and quality of sperm in men.
- Many people have hormonal problems which causes infertility, i.e. dysfunction of some hormones that can result in infertility.
- In many females there is blockage in the Fallopian tube which hindrances in the fertilization of the eggs.
- In men also there can be a blockage in the tubes of fertility organs.
- Plus different kinds of infections, STDs are also a cause of infertility.
New Causes Of Infertility In India
Latest research in the field of infertility shows that there has been a 25% rise in cases, in the last few years in India. Pin pointing at the source of this rapid rise can be like trying to find that needle in a large haystack… though there can be a number of modern lifestyle related issues that can be cited.
- Obesity caused due to lack of physical exercise is now becoming one of the leading reasons.
- Then there is the rampant rise of pollution in urban as well as rural areas
- For men and women in urban areas, blame the long working hours with erratic meal schedules
What You Can Do?
In many occasions infertility can be avoided. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce infertility, but there are occasions when infertility is not due to smoking or drinking. On such occasions, there are numerous ways to conceive there are many treatments available that couples undergo to become parents.
It’s important to shed ignorance and myths… and though we are in the 21st century, most people are ignorant about the causes of infertility.
Hence, the best thing to do is to contact a good fertility specialist to discuss and diagnose the causes.
