46% couples in the age group of 31 – 40 are found to be infertile

- Reveals the first ever fertility survey in India ‘Helping Families’ –

- Endorsed by ASPIRE and ISAR; supported by Merck Serono -

Mumbai Sep 19th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi): ‘Helping Families’, is India’s first ever fertility survey endorsed by the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE), supported by Merck Serono. The survey conducted among 2,562 participants and 100 infertility experts from nine Indian cities revealed startling figures. As much as 46% of young couples in the 31 – 40 year age group surveyed were found to be infertile. Out of this group, 49% has already undergone IVF (In vitro fertilization) treatment and the rest of them were considering opting for infertility treatment. 75% of the population studied accepted the benefits of Assisted Reproductive treatment and were of the opinion that procedures like IVF are safe and help in conceiving healthy babies.

When infertility experts were consulted, they shared that 63% of couples seeking infertility treatment are in the age group of 31 – 40. “In male factor infertility, 41% is due to problems concerning sperm (oligospermia or poor sperm count). In female factor infertility, 40% is attributed to poly cystic ovarian disorder (PCOD), followed by tubal factors (35%)”, said noted IVF expert Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, President elect, ISAR 2014 & Scientific Director – Advanced Infertility centre, Lilavati Hospital and Babies & Us, IVF, ICSI clinic.

“India is a vast and, diverse nation. With changing lifestyle, stress and delayed marriages - the incidence of infertility is also on the rise with many other health disorders. 1 out of 10 couples are infertile - hope is on hand - if they reach the right doctors in time. Being the world leaders in fertility treatment, with an estimated 1.8 million babies born thanks to our innovative products, we have helped thousands of couples to realize their dream of having a child. Merck Serono continues to pursue focused research and development in order to offer patients the infertility treatments of tomorrow,” said Mr.  Lawrence Ganti, General Manager & Country Head, Merck Serono India.

 ‘Helping Families’ survey found that couples nowadays expressed great faith in assisted reproductive technological advancements like IVF. Respondents expressed tremendous stress and highlighted the need for immediate positive results.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai

Dr. Jaideep Malhotra, President elect ASPIRE 2014 & Director, Malhotra Nursing & Maternity Home, stated, “There is a general lack of awareness among the public regarding infertility as it is a taboo subject. In the quest for conception, many couples opt for alternative therapies and religious rituals thus frittering away crucial age and time. Not just that, even today, women are pressurized in all aspects concerning fertility. The stigma and trauma associated with this condition is extreme.”

The decline in fertility started a decade back, with a troubling 17% decrease observed since the year 2000. Compounded by lack of acceptance and doctor checkups, the problem of infertility has raised multi-fold. Nearly 61% of the couples were shown to derive information from sources like the internet and friends. Even in the 21^st century, 64% of the couples studied believed in God’s will and delayed treatment, the survey observed.