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BANGALORE, India – April 21, 2025 – As National Infertility Awareness Week commences, healthcare professionals are drawing attention to a significant shift in reproductive health trends: a noticeable increase in diagnoses of low ovarian reserve among women in their 20s, challenging the long-held notion that fertility concerns primarily affect older women. Experts across India are emphasizing the growing need for early fertility awareness and testing to empower young women with crucial information about their reproductive potential.
Low ovarian reserve, a condition indicating a reduced quantity (and potentially quality) of eggs, directly impacts a woman’s ability to conceive naturally. “More young women in their 20s are being diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, a trend that’s both surprising and concerning,” states Dr. Priya SP Patil, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Altius Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bangalore.
Medical experts point to a complex interplay of factors driving this trend. Beyond traditional considerations like stress and lifestyle, Dr. Patil highlights potential contributors such as earlier onset of menstruation (early menarche) and increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in plastics, cosmetics, and processed foods, which can affect ovarian function over time.
Dr. Manisha Singh, Additional Director – Gynaecologist & Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, adds that societal shifts also play a crucial role. “The rising cases of infertility are often linked to delayed childbearing, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and diminished ovarian reserve,” she explains. Dr. Singh notes that women’s empowerment and increased focus on careers often lead to delaying family planning, making potential fertility issues more pressing when they do decide to conceive.
Adding to this, Dr. K U Kunjimoideen, Regional Medical Director at Birla Fertility & IVF | ARMC, Calicut, observes that seeing younger women with diminished ovarian reserve is “no longer an anomaly but a growing norm.” He lists a wide range of influences including genetics, environmental pollutants, autoimmune diseases, endometriosis, extreme fitness regimens, erratic sleep patterns, and smoking.
A significant challenge is that low ovarian reserve often presents no clear symptoms until a woman actively tries to conceive and faces difficulties. “Ovarian reserve determines the quantity and, to some extent, the quality of eggs, and when it’s low, the chances of natural conception can decline sharply,” warns Dr. Kunjimoideen.
The consensus among these experts is the critical importance of early screening. “A simple AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) blood test and pelvic ultrasound to check antral follicle count can provide a clear window into one’s reproductive potential,” advises Dr. Kunjimoideen. Dr. Patil concurs, stressing the need for these tests as low reserve often goes unnoticed.
Early detection offers women valuable time and options. “Fertility is not just about age anymore; awareness opens doors to timely choices, including egg freezing, giving women the power to plan ahead,” says Dr. Patil. Dr. Singh emphasizes that early testing empowers women to “make an informed decision without putting their career and education on hold, especially when faced with a dropping egg reserve.”
The evolving narrative during National Infertility Awareness Week encourages a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, experts advocate for young women to equip themselves with knowledge about their own fertility early on. Timely testing and informed decision-making can help women balance personal and professional aspirations without compromising future family-building goals. As the experts suggest, awareness isn’t just empowering – it can be life-changing.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by medical professionals regarding general trends in fertility. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals concerned about their fertility should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis and guidance.https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/why-early-fertility-testing-is-becoming-essential-for-young-women-9306233.html
