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India is witnessing a significant rise in infertility rates, a trend that could have far-reaching implications on the country’s demographic future, experts warned on World IVF Day, observed annually on July 25 to highlight advances in infertility treatment and combat associated stigma.
“India is currently facing a significant challenge with rising infertility rates that could impact its demographic future,” stated Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Co-Founder of Indira IVF, in an interview with IANS.
According to Murdia, approximately 15-20 million couples in India are affected by infertility, with male infertility contributing to about 40% of these cases. Ashwini S, an infertility specialist at Cloudnine Hospital in Bangalore, noted a steady rise in male infertility over the past decade.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in six people globally will experience infertility during their lifetime. In India, factors such as high rates of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 22.5% of women, along with lifestyle changes, growing substance abuse, and increasing sexually transmitted infections, contribute to infertility.
“Environmental factors like high levels of air pollution and exposure to toxins can alter DNA contained within the sperm,” Ashwini elaborated.
Moreover, the trend of urban couples delaying marriage and parenthood due to career commitments exacerbates the issue. As men age, sperm count and mobility decline, making conception more challenging.
Despite the high number of couples struggling to conceive—approximately 27.5 million married couples—only a small fraction, about 275,000, undergo IVF treatments annually, according to Murdia. This disparity underscores the limited access and awareness regarding infertility treatments.
“While the country enjoys a demographic advantage with a predominantly young population, this is threatened by increasing infertility and an ageing populace, potentially leading to demographic issues similar to those seen in other Asian countries with ageing populations,” Murdia warned.
Male infertility is notably rising in urban areas, driven by sedentary lifestyles and stress, which disrupt hormonal balance and affect sperm count and quality. The decline in sperm counts has accelerated to 2.6% per year since 2000.
“IVF clinics are witnessing a growing influx of patients struggling with low sperm counts and azoospermia—a condition where no sperm is present in the semen,” Murdia said, adding that this issue now significantly impacts younger males.
“If not addressed, these issues could significantly alter India’s population structure, leading to a demographic crisis characterised by an ageing population, a situation for which the nation may not be fully prepared,” Murdia cautioned.
Addressing the Crisis
To mitigate this potential demographic crisis, experts call for increased awareness and accessibility to infertility treatments, lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors, and addressing environmental pollution. Enhanced public health initiatives and supportive policies are crucial to tackling the rising infertility rates and safeguarding India’s demographic future.
