The age at which couples choose to start a family has been steadily rising in India. While previous generations often planned for children within a few years of marriage, many couples today delay parenthood to focus on higher education, career growth, financial stability, and personal goals. However, experts say this shift, along with several lifestyle factors, is contributing to an increase in fertility-related challenges.
According to Dr. Shweta Gupta, Director of Infertility and IVF Specialist at Max Hospital, Panchsheel Park, nearly 10–15% of women in India experience difficulty conceiving, and the number is rising as more women choose to become mothers later in life.
Why Is Infertility Becoming More Common?
Experts point to several factors that may affect fertility over time.
Delaying Marriage and Pregnancy
One of the biggest reasons is postponing parenthood. Women's fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after 35, as both the number and quality of eggs decrease. Since many women now prioritize education and career before starting a family, pregnancy is often delayed until later in life.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Urban lifestyles can also take a toll on reproductive health. Frequent consumption of processed foods, obesity, lack of regular exercise, and prolonged sitting may contribute to hormonal imbalances that can affect ovulation and overall fertility.
Chronic Stress
Long-term stress and anxiety can disrupt hormone regulation in the body. This may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and make it more difficult to conceive naturally.
Environmental Factors
Experts also believe that increasing air pollution in cities and changing social structures, such as the shift from joint families to nuclear families, may indirectly contribute to fertility-related concerns, although multiple factors are usually involved.
Can Fertility Be Preserved?
According to Dr. Gupta, women who wish to delay pregnancy but may want children in the future can consider egg freezing. In this procedure, healthy eggs are collected—ideally before the age of 35—and preserved using specialized freezing techniques.
These eggs can later be used during in vitro fertilization (IVF), offering a better chance of pregnancy by preserving younger, healthier eggs before age-related decline occurs.
How IVF Is Helping Couples
For couples who are unable to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) have become an effective treatment option.
In IVF, eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. The procedure can be beneficial for conditions such as ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, and certain forms of male infertility.
Why Timely Planning Matters
Experts emphasize that while career growth and financial stability are important, it's equally important to understand that fertility changes with age. Couples planning to have children after the age of 30 should consider periodic fertility assessments and consult a fertility specialist if they have concerns.
