Experts call for timely consultation as delayed parenthood and lifestyle changes contribute to rising infertility
Infertility is increasingly emerging as a significant public health concern in India, with specialists reporting that more couples are seeking medical advice earlier than in the past. On the occasion of World IVF Day, fertility experts emphasised that early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment can improve pregnancy outcomes while helping reduce the social stigma often associated with infertility.
According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and studies cited by the Union Government, 10-15% of married couples in India experience infertility, translating to nearly 27-30 million couples requiring fertility evaluation or treatment at some stage.
Doctors say the trend is becoming increasingly visible in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly in urban centres such as Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, where delayed marriages, postponement of pregnancy, work-related stress, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and declining ovarian reserve are prompting more couples to seek fertility care. Fertility providers have also expanded rapidly across the two Telugu States, reflecting the growing demand for assisted reproductive services. The National ART & Surrogacy Registry lists a large number of registered ART clinics in Telangana, with Hyderabad emerging as one of the country’s leading fertility hubs.
Specialists point out that infertility is not solely a woman’s health issue. Male factors account for nearly 40-50% of infertility cases, either independently or in combination with female factors, making evaluation of both partners essential.
Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), have significantly improved treatment outcomes over the past decade. Modern fertility care now incorporates personalised ovarian stimulation protocols, embryo freezing, genetic testing in selected cases, advanced embryo culture systems and single embryo transfer, improving both safety and success rates.
Current clinical recommendations advise couples below 35 years of age to seek fertility evaluation if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of regular unprotected intercourse. Women aged 35 years and above are advised to consult a fertility specialist after six months, as reproductive potential declines with age.
Dr. Abhinaya Alluri, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Infertility Specialist and Menopause Practitioner, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, said delayed consultation remains one of the most common reasons for reduced treatment success.
“Infertility is a medical condition and should never be viewed as a personal failure or social stigma. Many couples delay seeking help, particularly when the woman is above 35 years, despite fertility naturally declining with age. Early evaluation helps identify treatable causes and allows timely intervention. It is equally important to assess both partners, as male infertility contributes to a substantial proportion of cases. IVF today is far more advanced, safer and highly individualised than it was a decade ago. However, it is not the first treatment for every couple. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause, and many patients conceive through simpler interventions when they seek medical advice early.”
Dr Abhinaya also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight, controlling diabetes and thyroid disorders, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress and not postponing pregnancy unnecessarily where possible.
On World IVF Day, specialists called for greater public awareness about infertility, urging couples to seek professional medical guidance rather than relying on myths or delaying treatment because of social hesitation. They noted that timely diagnosis remains one of the most important factors influencing successful fertility treatment.