1 July 2025, 02:38 PM
Over the last several decades, the international pattern of especially rapid increase in unfavourable infertility has been observed. Around 17.5% of the adults, or 1 in every 6, according to the World Health Organization, are infertile at a certain point in their lives. There are some major reasons that are increasing the same:
1. Environmental toxins & Lifestyle
The way we currently live completely changed our landscape of reproductive health:
· Obesity & Metabolic Disorders: Body mass index (BMI) is above normal and leads to the mismatch of hormones, which disturbs ovulation and endometrial condition in females and low testosterone and low-quality sperm in males.
· Diet & Insulin Resistance: Switching to ultra processed diet has been linked to infertility.
· Pollution and chemicals: both sperm counts and egg potential and implantation go down due to air pollution (PM2.5, NO 2, ozone), endocrine disruptors (BPA, phthalates) and household chemicals.
· Smoking & Alcohol: A frequent use of tobacco, alcohol and experimental drugs further adds on to the fertility potential.
2. Environmental Pollution
· Air Quality: Research shows that high levels of pollutants: soot and organic carbon, harm eggs, sperm, and embryo when placed in culture in clinics, in addition to IVF laboratories.
· Noise Pollution: Denmark studies indicated that exposure to noise and air pollution is the major factor that contributed to an increased infertility risk (14-24%), especially in older individuals (above 35).
3. Infectious Diseases of Parasites
· STIs: These untreated infections include chlamydia and gonorrhea that may lead to tubal blockages or scarring, which is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
· Toxoplasmosis: Recent studies also point to the possibility of a new and under recognized cause of male infertility through the destruction of sperm heads by the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii in vitro.
4. Biological Factors and Genetic Factors
· Age: Older people in delayed parenthood have reduced ovarian reserves and low-quality sperms.
· Uterine Factors: Molecules within the uterus lining influence the implantation of the embryo and this is observed in 20-30 percent of infertile women with unexplained cause.
Genetic Variants: More than 65 genes have been reported to play a role in fertility problem, such as ovarian failure and dystopia spermatozoa.
· Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals such as BPA potentially activate or aggravate PCOS and other reproductive conditions when exposed to.
5. Wider societal Demographic shocks
· Late Parenthood: Family planning happens later in life due to pressures of career and economic struggles resulting in the shortening fertility periods.
Stress and Economy and financial stress have been shown to lead to infertility, even in men.
· Poor Access to Healthcare Services: Fertility Service Access Geography enhances the time to determine fertility diagnosis and treatment due to inequities in the geographic distribution of fertility services in particular low-population fertility deserts.
International Institute for Training and Research in reproductive Health (IIRRH)
IIRRH is one of the best institutes in Bengaluru started and led by Padma Shri Dr Kamini Rao who trains those in reproductive medicine as doctors and embryologists. The comprehensive diagnostics, embryology, and andrology programs integrated with the research introduction make up its fellowship in IVF and Reproductive Medicine in India. IIRRH is committed to working in the interests of patients with the focus on ethical conduct and patient-centred care and training professionals to make the future of fertility care and research.
Medline Academics
One of the recent projects realized by the vision of Dr Kamini Rao, Medline academics is an e learning portal that provides quality education in fellowship in reproductive medicine. In addition to veterans in the field and interactive modules, it provides fellowships, hands-on simulation, webinars, and international connection. This enhances access to advanced fertility education by clinicians all over the globe.