As infertility rates climb among couples, a growing number of studies reveal that male-related factors are behind 40-50% of these cases, according to Dr. Praveen Joshi, a renowned fertility specialist and andrologist.
Speaking at the Comprehensive Infertility Conclave organized by the Global Healthcare Academy, Dr. Joshi emphasized the troubling increase in infertility, particularly among younger men in the last decade.
He explained that a combination of factors such as low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalances, genetic issues, and unhealthy lifestyle habits—including smoking, excessive drinking, obesity, and prolonged exposure to heat and radiation—are exacerbating this issue.
Dr. Joshi also highlighted the growing concern of pollution, particularly in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, which he linked to a decline in sperm health and male fertility.
The conclave underscored the importance of early detection and holistic fertility care. Experts at the event advocated for lifestyle changes to improve reproductive health.
Dr. Meghana Nyapati, a specialist in reproductive medicine, pointed out that Bengaluru’s workforce, particularly in the IT sector, is increasingly affected by long hours spent in front of screens, further compounding fertility issues.
She referred to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-20), which found that 18.7 per 1,000 married women aged 15-49 face infertility after being married for five years or more. The data also highlighted that regions like Goa, Lakshadweep, and Chhattisgarh show even higher rates. In Karnataka, the District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS) reported that 5.9% of married women experience infertility, with rural areas experiencing slightly higher rates (6.1%) compared to urban areas (5.5%).
Dr. Nyapati also pointed out that infertility rates are higher in rural areas due to a lack of awareness and the societal stigma surrounding infertility treatments.
Addressing the need for better awareness, Dr. Anjali Ajaikumar, Executive Director of Strategy at HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, emphasized the importance of breaking the silence surrounding reproductive health and making fertility screenings more accessible to the public.
“As Bengaluru continues to evolve into a rapidly growing metropolis, prioritizing awareness, early diagnosis, and accessible fertility treatments will be key to ensuring healthier outcomes for future generations,” Dr. Ajaikumar concluded.
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