Indian Fertility Society meet calls for creating more awareness
About 10-15% of the population in the country is affected by infertility, says M. Gouri Devi, president, Indian Fertility Society (IFS).
Speaking at the 14th annual conference of the IFS on ‘Assisted Reproduction – Fertivison 2018’ here, Dr. Gouri Devi said infertility was more common in urban areas with one out of six couples having the problem. Lifestyle diseases, environmental toxins, pesticide residues in food, genetic changes, sexually transmitted infections, unfettered use of emergency contraception and deferring parenthood were among the major causes of infertility, she said.
Emphasising that it was not a gender-specific issue, she said half of the cases were infertility issues of the male partner. The problems could be aggravated by work conditions, stress, exposure to pollutants and toxins, high temperature, alcohol and drug abuse or obesity. The health sector needed to increase awareness, access and affordability of reproductive healthcare and interventions, taking into account the magnitude of infertility problems in the country, she said.
The meet organised with the theme ‘Beyond all limits – Breakthrough to Excellence’ had an assembly of gynaecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, fertility experts, and a convergence of technology required in assisted reproductive technologies.
Dr. Pankaj Talwar, secretary general and Dr. K.U. Kunjimoideen, organising secretary, IFS, Kerala chapter, were among those who spoke.
Dr. Talwar said there were several social factors for late marriage and postponing pregnancy. “Financial and job constraints and worries and concerns about becoming an ideal parent are seen as reasons for couples to postpone parenthood,” he said.
Article Credit:- The Hindu