siliconindia | | AUGUST 20258When Aarti and Rohan eventually agreed to have a child at 37, they didn't anticipate Google searches would become their second religion. Their nights went from dinner plans to breaking ovulation charts. Friend brunches became whispered discussions of hormone levels and success rates. Two flourishing careers, one hectic city life in Bengaluru, and a biological clock ticking this was their new normal. A year of attempting naturally far along, they entered a fertility clinic, part of thousands of urban Indian couples taking the same route. What was once an exception is now a reflection of a new generation's way of doing parenthood in India.In Indian metro cities, the definition of what is the `right time' to have kids is being redefined. For most, their twenties are a decade to establish careers, see the world, and pursue personal interests. The conventional timeline wedding in early twenties, kids shortly after has increasingly yielded to a more relaxed attitude. With increasing numbers of women pursuing higher education and high-competition workplaces, individual achievements such as marriage and motherhood have been put on hold for the sake of independence and development. Couples nowadays are opting for emotional and financial readiness over traditional social norms.Science, Society & the Shifting Fertility LandscapeAs urban couples delay parenthood in pursuit of careers and personal freedom, fertility becomes a growing concern shaped as much by biology as by environment and society.Key Points:Biological Realities vs Lifestyle Choices· Female fertility declines sharply after 35; male fertility also wanes after 40.· Misconceptions about prolonged fertility often delay critical medical consultation.· Many couples assume science can `fix' timing issues, leading to reactive planning.Urban Life & Health Hazards· Air pollution, sedentary jobs, irregular sleep, and poor diet affect reproductive health.· Male infertility is rising, linked to stress, smoking, alcohol, and environmental toxins.· Mental health burnout, anxiety, and stress plays a major role in natural conception success.Boom in IVF & Fertility Tech· The Indian IVF market is worth over Rs 5,000 crore, expected to double in five years.· Advanced ARTs like ICSI, blastocyst culture, and genetic screening are now common.· Clinics in Tier 1 cities offer flexible packages, financing, and improved access for working professionals.India as a Fertility Tourism Hub· High-quality embryology, skilled doctors, and cost-effective care attract international patients.· India sees increasing inbound fertility patients from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia."Urban India is clearly witnessing a shift, parenthood is being delayed, marriages are happening later, and lifestyle patterns have drastically changed. Yet, despite this, many couples especially women over 35 often don't consider how significantly age affects fertility. Most seek help only after multiple failed attempts at conception" , says Dr. Madhuri Patil, Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist at Dr. Patil's Fertility & Endoscopy Clinic. She highlights a mix of rising stress levels, poor lifestyle habits, and a lack of fertility education as the primary reasons behind the growing dependence on assisted reproductive technologies. "PCOS is becoming more prevalent, and we are also seeing an increase in male infertility cases", she adds.Despite these challenges, Dr. Patil remains optimistic. "There's definitely more awareness now. We're seeing more women come in for egg freezing and fertility preservation at a younger age. The future of fertility care lies in honest education, transparent treatment options, and making the process more affordable and empathetic".EDITORIAL EXCLUSIVEFERTILITY TRENDS TRANSPIRING WITH DELAYED PARENTHOOD AND IVF GROWTHBy Snigdha Das, Correspondent, Siliconindia
< Page 7 | Page 9 >