Modern life brings comfort, technology, and opportunities — but also stress, irregular routines, and unhealthy habits. These changes have quietly contributed to a rise in infertility among young couples, affecting both men and women equally.
Understanding Fertility and Egg Reserve
A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have — roughly 1 to 2 million at birth.
By puberty, this number drops to about 3–4 lakhs, and with each menstrual cycle, one dominant egg matures and is released.
Over time, this egg reserve naturally declines, and after the age of 35, both the quantity and quality of eggs decrease significantly.
Tests such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and Antral Follicle Count (AFC) help assess ovarian reserve.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking, alcohol, or extreme stress can help preserve fertility longer.
Common Causes of Infertility in Women
- Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) – One of the most common causes. It leads to irregular ovulation, hormonal imbalance, and insulin resistance.
- Thyroid Disorders – Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect menstrual cycles and ovulation.
- Overweight or Underweight – Excess fat alters estrogen levels, while being underweight can suppress ovulation.
- Stress and Sleep Deprivation – Affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to hormonal disturbances.
- Endometriosis or Tubal Block – Structural causes that interfere with fertilization or implantation.
Infertility in Men — Often Overlooked
Infertility isn’t only a woman’s problem. Nearly 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors.
Common issues include:
- Oligospermia: Low sperm count
- Azoospermia: Absence of sperm in semen
- Abnormal sperm motility or morphology
Lifestyle and Environmental Causes:
- Chronic stress and lack of sleep
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse
- Obesity and poor diet
- Exposure to heat or chemicals (laptops, tight clothing, workplace hazards)
- Sedentary lifestyle
All of these reduce sperm count, motility, and DNA quality — impacting fertility potential.
The Modern Lifestyle Challenge
- Late Marriages: Couples delaying parenthood for career goals face reduced fertility due to age.
- Stress and Screen Time: Continuous work pressure and poor mental health interfere with reproductive hormones.
- Irregular Diets: Skipping meals, excessive caffeine, and processed foods contribute to hormonal imbalance.
- Addictions: Smoking, alcohol, and other habits directly damage egg and sperm quality.
Fertility reflects overall health, and modern life often strains this delicate balance.
When to Consult an Infertility Specialist
You should seek expert evaluation if:
- You’ve been trying for >1 year (or >6 months if over 35) without success.
- Menstrual cycles are irregular or absent.
- History of thyroid, PCOD, endometriosis, or pelvic infections.
- Male partner has low sperm count or prior surgeries/infections.
Early evaluation helps prevent delay and increases the success rate of treatment.
Available Treatment Options
🩺 Basic Treatments
- Lifestyle modifications – weight control, exercise, stress management
- Ovulation induction – medicines to help release eggs
- Treatment of thyroid or hormonal imbalance
🧪 Assisted Reproductive Techniques
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Processed semen is placed directly in the uterus around ovulation.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs and sperm are fertilized in a lab; embryos are transferred to the uterus.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected into an egg — useful for severe male infertility.
- Egg or Sperm Freezing: Allows fertility preservation for those delaying parenthood.
Modern reproductive medicine provides hope to couples — success depends on age, health, and underlying causes.
Final Thoughts
Infertility is not a stigma or failure — it’s a medical condition that can often be treated effectively.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and seeking timely consultation can make a big difference.
With advanced treatments like IVF and ICSI, parenthood is possible for most couples today — it just needs awareness, patience, and the right medical guidance.
About Dr. K. Monika Reddy
Services
- Evaluation of infertile couple
- Fertility counselling & treatment planning
- Ovulation induction & follicular monitoring
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
- IVF stimulation & Oocyte pickup
- Embryo transfer (fresh & frozen)
- Hysteroscopy procedures
- Pregnancy management & complications
- Normal delivery & caesarean section
- Comprehensive gynecological care