In the past, women alone were blamed for being childless. But now, with the aid of medical tests and finding a balanced and view on infertility is prevalent these days. Ten years ago, the infertility rate in Kerala was 10 %, which has now doubled. This has led to more women seeking treatment for the condition.
Female infertility is no more considered a health issue alone. Instead, several social factors are also involved. In other words, at least a section of women is leading a lifestyle which causes infertility.
Waiting for the right partner
Most young girls these days dream of a good education, followed by a job with a decent income. Marriage is third in the list of their priorities.
As more work leads to better income, young women concentrate on their job and professional targets and do not think of marriage even if they touch 30. Many among them would be waiting for the right partner.
By the time they get married, both husband and wife would be in their 30s and working in different shifts. They may even be located in separate countries. Meeting rarely, the couples may find work pressure affecting their sexuality too. Some couples may decide that they don’t need a child immediately after marriage. However, with the woman already aged over 30, infertility issues crop up gradually.
Children can wait
A dialogue in Malayalam film ‘Rithu’, that deals with the life of IT professionals, sums up the situation - “I consider my project more important than having children,” says a woman character who plays the role of of a project coordinator of a IT company in the film.
This is, in fact, a true reflection of the feelings of most women professionals. Even women who marry early may face infertility problems. They would be trying to make themselves financially secure or build a house before having kids. The fact is, the decision to delay pregnancy can also lead to infertility.
Biological clock disrupted
Infertility is a common problem faced by young women who work long hours at night. The change in biological clock may result in hormonal imbalance, which may lead to disruption in menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Changing morals
Reports suggest that many young women belonging to the new generation do not see premarital sexual relations an anomaly. Some among them engage in such acts during project parties. Such incidents are no longer confined to other states and may be taking place in Kerala’s cities and IT hubs.
At a major IT centre outside Kerala, a waste bin was noticed overflowing with used condoms. Condoms and pills are no longer unfamiliar even for teenagers. Premarital sex, multiple partners, extramarital affairs, abortion and lack of sexual hygiene lead to pelvic infection in women. This could lead to infertility.
Smoking and drinking
Consuming alcohol and having a puff is a new normal among most of the millennial. This reduces the blood flow to ovaries, leading to genetic ramifications and deformities in newborns.
Anxiety over infertility
Anxiety also contributes to infertility rates. There some couples who complain of infertility without engaging in proper sexual contact. They may be haunted by fears or anxiety regarding physical relation. Such issues can be overcome by developing mutual love and respect.
Ovulation
Ovulation takes place 12-15 days after the start of menstruation for almost 95% of women who have a menstrual cycle of 28 days. It is estimated that ovulation occurs 500 times during a woman’s life. The life of the eggs released during ovulation is 12-24 hours. In some women, the menstrual cycle lasts 35 days and for them the ovulation days will be different. This makes planning to have a baby based on the ovulation days ineffective.
Couples eager to have kids have to try for that from the day menstruation ends and till the next menstruation starts. Ovulation kits which claim to provide the exact days of ovulation are available but they cannot be invariably foolproof.
