In a 2024 report cited in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, the prevalence of infertility in India is 7.4 per cent. Although India accounts for world’s 25 percent of the world's infertility burden, this remains a neglected matter. 

 

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In an informative YouTube Video of Dr. Rupali Goyal, Sr. Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, she explains about many reasons for infertility and also steps of prevention in both men and women. 

When a couple is unable to have a baby even after a year of constant unprotected sex, then one can consider infertility has set in. It may affect both male and female reproductive systems. There can be several reasons that may trigger this condition.

 

Related story: Struggling with Infertility? You’re Not Alone 

 

Factors That Causes Infertility

In Women
Firstly, the brain produces hormones, oestrogen and progesterone which regulate ovarian function, stops producing these hormones. Which may impact the frequency of the menstrual cycle and delay egg implantation. Apart from this, issues like PCOS and thyroid may stem from an imbalance of hormones. 

Secondly, if the woman’s fallopian tube is damaged, then the passage for sperm to meet the egg gets blocked. Due to this, fertilisation may become difficult or impossible. One of the two reasons is a pelvic inflammatory disease caused by STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. The other reason is endometriosis where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, including on the fallopian tubes, this can induce scarring and blockages. 

The optimal health of the uterus and cervix also plays a huge role in getting pregnant. The growth of non-cancerous fibroids in the uterus can block the fallopian tube and distort the shape of the uterus. This prevents the process of fertilisation. This is seen more in women over 30 and with a history of fibroids. On the other hand, polyps are growths in the uterus or cervix caused by an overgrowth of the uterine lining and can increase the risk of miscarriage.

In Men
As a matter of fact, infertility can happen in the case of men too. Due to low levels of testosterone, the quality and quantity of sperm production declines. Retrograde ejaculation in men may push sperm back to the bladder during orgasm or premature ejaculation where sperm is released before penetration. 

Besides, there might be a blockage in the duct, which helps to transport sperm out of the penis, due to infections or injuries. Last but not least, STDs and unhealthy lifestyles can also trigger sterility in men and affect their sperm count. 

 

Related story: What is Secondary Infertility? UR.Life OHC Can Help

 

5 Steps to Take To Prevent Infertility

Dr. Goyal stresses thatessential lifestyle factors and medical considerations play a significant role in maintaining reproductive health. Below are the detailed preventive measures she discusses:

1. Priortise Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for reproductive health. Nutrients such as folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin D play a vital role in hormone production, egg quality in women, and sperm health in men. 

• Include leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables for antioxidants that protect reproductive cells.
• Whole grains and lean proteins regulate hormone levels.
• Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and fish to support fertility-related hormone functions.

 

2. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

• Not just diet, but a healthy routine is also required to boost fertility in both men and women. 
• Maintaining an active lifestyle helps regulate body weight and reduces the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and low sperm production in men.
• Chronic stress leads to hormonal imbalances that can affect ovulation and sperm production. Calming methods such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels. 
• Proper sleep is essential for maintaining hormonal equilibrium, which is critical for fertility.

 

3. Manage a Healthy Weight 
Dr Goyal warns that both underweight and overweight individuals are at a higher risk of infertility. Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and ovulatory disorders in women. It is also linked to low testosterone levels and reduced sperm quality in men.
Being underweight can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation, making conception difficult. Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5 - 24.9) through a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity helps prevent infertility.

 

4. Limit Alcohol And Avoid Smoking
The consumption of alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs, as these substances have detrimental effects on reproductive health. Smoking can cause DNA damage in sperm and eggs, increase the risk of miscarriage, and reduce fertility treatment success rates.
Alcohol consumption is linked to decreased sperm production in men and hormonal imbalances in women. Recreational drugs like marijuana and anabolic steroids can significantly lower sperm count and affect ovulation.

 

5. Get The Advice of A Gynaecologist
Women with irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections should consult a gynaecologist early to manage potential fertility issues.
Men experiencing low libido, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty conceiving should seek a fertility assessment to identify any underlying problems. For couples struggling to conceive for over a year (or six months for women over 35), visiting a fertility specialist is crucial to determine potential causes and explore treatment options.

 

Schedule diagnostic tests for PCOS here with Apollo.

Preventing infertility is important for reproductive health. Small but consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to better fertility in both men and women. Avoiding harmful substances like smoking and excessive alcohol is equally crucial. Most importantly, early medical consultation can help identify and address potential issues before they become major concerns.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.