ADDRESSING INFERTILITY

• 1 in 8 Indian couples have infertility issues, as per WHO reports of 2020-2021.

• There are primary and secondary types of infertility.

• Infertility has for long only been associated with females, but in reality, female infertility problems only make up for 1/3rd of the total figures.

W.H.O. defines infertility as a problem of either male or female reproductive system, characterized by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 or more months of sexual intercourse; with no form of contraception in use. Primary infertility is when a couple has never been pregnant, while secondary infertility is when there has been a prior pregnancy.

Infertility, for long was an issue associated only with women. For whatever reasons, community was not ready to acknowledge infertility in men. But now, awareness has been spread and people do know that infertility could be because of either partner. Statistics show that 1/3rd of issues are related to female, 1/3rd to males and the remaining 1/3rd is either a combined problem or a problem with no exact known cause.
In the male reproductive system, infertility may be caused by; problems with ejaculation, low sperm count, abnormal shape and/or motility of sperm, hormonal problems, testicles not producing sperms adequately. Apart from the biological factors, there are a lot of environmental factors that contribute to infertility like smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, stress and exposure to pollutants to name a few.
In the same way, female reproductive system may be infertile because of problems with the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube. Untreated STI (sexually transmitted infection), unsafe abortion, complications of abdominal surgeries. Hormonal problems in females seems to be a more prominent issue. Social factors contribute to female infertility equally.

Infertility has a significant negative social impact, especially the woman, who is by default regarded as the infertile one. Woman usually experience violence, social stigma, emotional stress, divorce because they are infertile, regardless if they are actually infertile or not. And therefore, addressing infertility is a social responsibility.
With the progress of medicine, infertility can now be treated in multiple ways. ART (artificial or assisted reproductive techniques) have been helpful for more than three decades now, with more than 5 million babies born through such methods like IVF. Early diagnosis, like many other medical conditions, is the key here also for better treatment and results.

Diagnosis and treatment options, are still not addressed properly in government health schemes. Their accessibility and affordability remain as a major concern even after great medical advancements. The government could include infertility in their national health policies, with the due realization that infertility is an issue that can be prevented. Public health financial allotments could be made in this direction to make the diagnosis and treatment for infertility more accessible and affordable especially for lower- and middle-income groups. Awareness regarding sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortion practices, preventing complications after surgeries, especially abdominal surgeries, should be spread amongst the population.
With more and more technological advancements in the field of medicine, we can expect more cost effective and accessible methods of treatment of infertility. As more awareness is spread in this matter, it will only help demolish the social stigma, and in turn helping the society to be a better place.

-STAY HEALTHY
Dr. Aishwarya Nair