As India’s fertility rate continues its steady decline, an increasing number of couples are turning to medical solutions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In response to this growing trend, a group of fertility specialists and gynecologists convened in Kolkata to tackle this pressing issue and offer hands-on training for medical professionals in the field of infertility treatment.
The fertility rate, which reflects the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, has dropped significantly from approximately 6 in 1950 to around 2 today. Projections suggest it could fall further to about 1.29 by 2050. The situation in West Bengal is particularly concerning, with a birth rate of just 1.2 compared to the national average of 2.11, as reported by the latest National Family Health Survey.
Contributing factors to the rise in infertility include late marriages, lifestyle-related issues, and various medical conditions. Infertility is often linked to problems such as abnormalities in eggs or sperm, fallopian tube defects, or issues with the endometrial lining. The proliferation of fertility clinics, both in urban and rural areas, underscores the severity of the issue and the growing demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
The annual conference hosted by the Srishti Infertility Clinic in Kolkata provided a platform for experts to discuss these emerging concerns and the array of available treatment options. The event included a one-day workshop where specialists shared their knowledge on advanced infertility treatments, including ultrasonography, robotic surgery, and IVF.
Leading the training sessions were Dr. Dipyaman Ganguly, principal scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and Bhatnagar awardee, along with Dr. Sudeep Bose and Dr. Nitin Chaubal. Dr. Bose highlighted the critical role of early detection and prompt medical intervention in improving treatment outcomes and potentially reducing costs. He attributed the rise in infertility to lifestyle changes and advocated for routine screenings to identify and address underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances, tube blockages, or cysts. When necessary, IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques should be considered.
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