Indian women should not delay getting pregnant: Study

Nova IVI Fertility (NIF) has undertaken a first-of-its-kind initiative with one of the most comprehensive studies with real-time, live data involving over 7,000 patients who have or are currently undergoing fertility treatments across all NIF centers in the country. While the study suggests that a significantly high number of women suffering from infertility are over the age of 31, it also raises concerns that the biggest cause is a Poor Ovarian Response (POR) in women.

According to the study, 68 per cent of women seeking fertility treatments were aged 31 and above with a staggering 36 per cent being between 31 and 35 and 32 per cent above the age of 35. The latest study reveals that 30 per cent of women need to depend on donor eggs to get pregnant, simply because they approach an IVF expert at a time when their ovarian reserve is already poor. This is further emphasised by the findings that show treatments involving egg donation account for more than 25 per cent of all cycles.

It has also been noted that over the last three years, vitrification has emerged as a highly successful technique for preserving and using surplus embryos with pregnancy rates increasing from 32 per cent to 51 per cent. This accounts for nearly 39 per cent of all cycles. The study revealed surprising information that a large number of cases can be attributed to male infertility. Today at least one in four men reportedly suffers from fertility issues i.e. 23 per cent of couples from the sample.

Dr Manish Banker, executive director, Nova IVI Fertility, said, “The current study sheds light on what we have always believed at Nova - that patients are waiting too long to visit fertility specialists and seek medical treatment. There is a need to create awareness on the fact that there are a number of fertility treatments that can help us in determining the cause and recommend an appropriate approach.”

Donor egg pregnancy rates are a strong indicator for clinical performance, along with the quality of the laboratory and medical expertise. According to the findings of the study, the clinical pregnancy rate for donor egg recipients in the last three years have increased from 47 per cent in the first 1,000 pregnancies to 55 per cent as witnessed in the last 1,000 pregnancies at Nova.

“Undoubtedly, there is greater acceptability for IVF treatments in India as compared to a decade ago. We also believe that newer technologies will aid in improving pregnancy rates going forward. Techniques like Fertility Preservation will see a big uptake and lead to a significant influx in women wanting to delay pregnancy till the age of 35 years. But we also understand the changing dynamics of today’s world. There is awareness and acceptability; yet, people may not seek treatments. Indian women should not delay child bearing as their ovaries age faster as compared to Caucasian women. Couples must understand - time is of utmost importance; a delay may cost them the pleasure of a happy family,” warned Dr Banker.