Infertility affects couples in early 20s, shows new study

‘Genetic Defects, Toxins Lead to Cases; Most of Unknown Origin'

Virility may no longer be a marker for youth as infertility is hitting those as early as 21 years, a new study has shown.

A recent study by Indian Society of Third Party Association and Reproduction (INSTAR), which covered 300 couples at assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics in five states, including Tamil Nadu, found that 27% of them were in the 21to 25 years age group.

“Infertility rate is still highest among those above 35 years, but the incline isn't as high as what we see among those in the 20's, “said Dr Himanshu Bavishi, president of INSTAR, a society comprising IVF specialist doctors, lawyers and ART banks. The paper was presented at a two-day seminar on infertility management, which concluded here on Sunday.

While stress, issues linked to lifestyle, poor nutrition, pollution and obesity have been linked to this unsettling trend, Dr Bavishi said most of them were observations by doctors and not based on research. “We are seeing an increase in younger women come to us with premature ovarian failure. The reasons for this could be varied, from genetic defects to toxins, but most of them are of unknown origin,“ he said. Premature ovarian failure is the loss of normal function of ovaries before 40. This obstructs the release of eggs regularly, resulting in infertility.

Dr Nithya Ramamurthy, senior consultant gynecologist and obstetrician at Fortis Malar Hospital, said low ovarian reserve could be the result of women going through repeated in vitro fertilisation cycles. “Only less than 20% of couples in their 20s actually need assisted reproductive technology, “she said. Among those who undergo the procedure -which involves “pumping up“the ovaries to make enough eggs -there needs to be at least a three month break after the sixth cycle. “But couples, in their desperation, switch hospitals and undergo the procedure again. This can adversely impact the ovaries,“ said Dr Ramamurthy .

Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Among men, doctors at the conference attributed infertility to low sperm count and sexual dysfunction.

Sexologist Dr Narayana Reddy, who was present at the conference, said it isn't just infertility that gives youngsters sleepless nights. “Infertility isn't just a medical problem. It is a psycho-social issue. Fewer people are engaging in healthy sex, “said Dr Reddy.