The issue of female infertility in India is deeply rooted in the country’s conservative society. Infertility is mainly seen as a feminine condition, and women in India are at the receiving end when it comes to infertility issues. Gone are those days when women were restricted at home and were limited to household activities. With women folks getting into the mainstream workforce, the issue of infertility has risen, partly because of late marriage, along with lifestyle changes to be blamed for.
It may be noted that women between the ages of 20 and 30 are the most fertile, but after 30 years, their ability to get pregnant declines. After 45 years, the chances of conceiving are much less.
Causes
Infertility in women can be in the form of a disease in the reproductive organs where they are unable to conceive. Tubal factor infertility is the most frequent cause, and it accounts for 30-40 percent of the cases. It is usually associated with damage to the fallopian tubes, blocking the safe passage of eggs and sperm. Complications in the ovary, endometriosis, genetic disorders, and autoimmune disorders are some of the likely causes of female infertility. Also, women experience uterine polyps, tumors in the wall of the uterus, known as uterine fibroids, that can be a significant cause of infertility. Fibroids may block the fallopian tubes, where an egg and sperm unite.
The other major issues can be getting married at a later age due to career growth, smoking, intake of alcohol and strenuous physical labor, sexually transmitted infections, and environmental toxins.
Treatment
The advent of medical technology to treat female infertility has raised a ray of hope among those who are unable to conceive due to health issues. In vitro fertilization is the most effective way to treat infertility. Other forms of treatment are ovulation induction and cycle monitoring, intrauterine insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and microtesticular sperm extraction.
One has to note that going in for infertility treatment is not a day affair. It takes time, courage, and a positive mind. In many cases, women with infertility issues have been able to conceive.
Measures to prevent infertility
Approaching a medical practitioner and following the guidance will help to overcome the infertility crisis. Having a healthy diet and abstaining from smoking, drugs, and alcohol will bring in the best to keep away infertility issues.
Challenges are many when it comes to female infertility. One should know that apart from the treatment modalities, family support is the best way for a woman to overcome the crisis of infertility, keep away from mental agony, and lead a happy life.