The 2nd most populated country on earth, with a fast growing population, and and increasingly rising mobile subscriber base. In India, thanks to mobile data connectivity, information can now reach many remote communities easier than before. And this rising connectivity needs to be harnessed to improve awareness about infertility, and about IVF treatment, that is still considered a stigma in many strata of Indian society. Because,

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse – World Health Organisation

Childlessness, Infertility, IVF Treatment

Couples troubled with childlessness still face huge social stigma in India, and as is the case in many other parts of the developing world. This inability to bear a child after continued efforts, first leads to loss of confidence in self and then hope of a happy married life. Add to this the increasing social scrutiny and embarrassment at community events.

Then comes the realization of infertility that kick starts a trail of family attempts, that lead to further frustration and depression. Some couples are directed to have intercourse more frequently, while others seek refuge in temples and even go to tantriks. The saddest part is, this stigma also signals an underlying ignorance about male – female infertility, and leads to break-up in many marriages.

Let’s see this case. Manjula [not her real name] lives in Satana, Nashik, with her husband. She has been married since 2003, and been trying for a child since then. Unfortunately, in the early years of her marriage, she suffered several miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. Doctors at the local healthcare center told her that she would no longer be able to conceive. Over the years, this pushed Manjula to feel severely discriminated, as relatives would gossip about her inability to bear a child or not allow her to participate in certain family rituals. She used to feel cursed and it all came to a point where her husband considered divorce. But thankfully for her and her family, they came to know about IVF treatment and visited AKPI Womens Hospital to consult with the fertility specialists here.

Seeking IVF Treatment, Making It Affordable

Such cases highlight the need to openly discuss infertility issues in family circles and de-stigmatize the issue. Today, when people are being made aware of the negative effects of pollution and stress on health, they must also be informed about rising infertility levels in young couples due to similar factors. And be made aware to availability of assisted reproductive techniques like IVF that can help save their families from breaking.

In addition to that, there should be continued attempts at making IVF affordable for everyone so more couples can benefit from the treatment.

If you know someone who is troubled by infertility, spread the awareness. Couple can send their doubts or queries to help@get-pregnant.in and get brief answers from the doctors at AKPI.