Delayed Parenthood Fuels Sharp Rise in Infertility Cases in Lucknow
Medical experts in Lucknow are sounding the alarm over a significant increase in infertility and pregnancy-related complications, attributing this trend primarily to couples postponing marriage and parenthood due to career ambitions and other personal priorities.
Dramatic Increase in Daily Cases
Prof Seema Mehrotra of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) highlighted the stark change in patient numbers. "Conception is generally easier before the age of 30. Previously, we would encounter only two or three cases of infertility or conception difficulties among women each day. Now, that number has surged to approximately 10-15 daily visits with such issues. Among these patients, 30-40% are women aged 35 and above," she explained.
Heightened Risks for Women Over 35
Medical professionals emphasize that planning a pregnancy after age 35 presents considerable challenges. Fertility naturally declines as both the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs diminish with advancing age. This age group faces elevated risks, including:
- Higher likelihood of miscarriage
- Increased incidence of gestational diabetes
- Greater risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Elevated chance of preterm birth
- Higher probability of genetic conditions like Down syndrome in the baby
Dr Varada Arora, an IVF specialist, noted, "Delaying pregnancy frequently necessitates assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting before transferring them to the uterus. Women over 35 are advised to seek medical consultation if conception does not occur after six months of trying."
Unequal Burden and Shared Solutions
Doctors also pointed out that women often bear a disproportionate burden in these scenarios, as they typically must take career breaks to raise children. Prof Seema Mehrotra proposed a practical solution: "This problem could be effectively addressed if couples share responsibilities more equitably. Husbands and wives can take rotational breaks to care for their children, allowing both partners to better balance professional commitments with personal and family life."
Ideal Pregnancy Age and Health Implications
Prof Vandana Solanki of KGMU underscored that the optimal age range for pregnancy is between 21 and 35 years. She warned of additional health risks associated with delayed childbirth or remaining childless:
- Increased incidence of uterine complexities
- Higher risk of endometrial cancer, which typically develops in the uterine lining post-menopause
- Elevated likelihood of breast cancer
- Greater risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age
Limited and Costly Fertility Preservation Options
For women who choose to delay childbirth, options are restricted. Dr Varada Arora explained, "Egg freezing currently stands as the only established method for preserving fertility. This technique allows eggs to be collected and stored at a younger age for potential future use through IVF procedures."
However, she cautioned that these treatments involve substantial financial and emotional investments. In India, egg freezing costs approximately Rs 1 lakh initially, with additional storage charges of about Rs 10,000 every six months. IVF procedures also represent significant financial commitments for couples seeking to conceive later in life.
