IVF is becoming a more familiar part of fertility care, but what factors may affect a couple's ability to conceive? From age and male-factor infertility to metabolic health and lifestyle, Dr.
Sankalp Jain explains why fertility needs a closer look at both partners.5 reasons why more couples are turning to IVF: What you should know For couples struggling to conceive, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can offer a way forward when pregnancy does not happen naturally or other fertility treatments have not worked. But what is driving the growing conversation around fertility treatment, and why are more couples exploring their options?In a discussion with Dr.
Sankalp Jain, fertility and intimacy physician and founder of Fertimacy, Lucknow, pointed out several factors ranging from increasing age at the time of planning a pregnancy and male-factor infertility to metabolic health concerns and lifestyle choices.Understanding these factors can help couples recognise potential challenges, seek timely medical advice and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. While IVF can be an option for some, the right approach depends on the underlying cause of infertility, individual health factors and a doctor's assessment.He also cautioned against treating IVF as the automatic first step for every couple.1.
AGEING AND CHANGES IN FERTILITY Age was one of the factors discussed in the interview. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both egg reserve and egg quality can change with age.
The doctor also discussed age-related changes in sperm health and DNA fragmentation in men.These changes can affect a couple’s chances of conceiving and may increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, age alone cannot determine whether someone will conceive naturally or need fertility treatment.2.
MALE INFERTILITY IS OFTEN OVERLOOKEDThe responsibility for conceiving is frequently placed on women, but infertility can involve either partner. In the interview, Dr.
Jain spoke about seeing men with very low or absent sperm counts and raised concerns about factors that may affect sperm health.He also discussed anabolic steroid use and other substance use among men seeking medical help. The larger point is that fertility assessment should involve both partners rather than assuming the problem lies with the woman.3.
METABOLIC HEALTH AND INSULIN RESISTANCEThe discussion also highlighted obesity, insulin resistance and wider metabolic health as factors that may affect fertility. Dr.
Jain spoke about the importance of assessing the individual patient rather than looking at fertility in isolation.Conditions affecting metabolic health can be relevant to reproductive health, but their impact varies from person to person. Identifying and managing underlying health concerns may be part of fertility care; it does not automatically mean IVF is required.4.
LIFESTYLE, SUBSTANCE USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURESSmoking, steroid use, cannabis use, processed-food consumption and air pollution came up during the conversation. Dr.
Jain raised concerns about how lifestyle and environmental exposures may affect reproductive health.These factors should not be treated as a single explanation for rising infertility, nor does the transcript establish that any one of them directly causes infertility in every individual. A proper assessment is needed to understand what may be affecting a particular couple.5.
HORMONAL, MENTAL HEALTH AND INTIMACY-RELATED FACTORSThe interview explored the connection between the brain, hormonal signalling, reproductive function and intimate life. Dr.
Jain also discussed stress, mental well-being and difficulties with intimacy as part of the wider picture of fertility.Trying to conceive can become emotionally demanding, particularly when couples feel pressured to meet a deadline or believe that every attempt must result in pregnancy. However, stress should not be assumed to be the sole cause of infertility.
These concerns deserve sensitive discussion alongside appropriate medical evaluation.IVF IS NOT ALWAYS THE FIRST OR ONLY OPTIONAlthough IVF can be an important treatment for some couples, Dr. Jain cautioned against automatically directing every patient towards it.
The interview discussed the need to assess both partners and consider the individual circumstances, including possible hormonal or metabolic concerns and conditions such as endometriosis or tubal blockages.Depending on the findings, a clinician may recommend other treatments or further investigations before considering assisted reproductive techniques. The right approach depends on the cause of infertility, the couple’s medical history and their circumstances.Fertility challenges can be complex, and the reasons behind them are not always immediately clear.
The key is to seek an appropriate assessment, involve both partners and understand the available options rather than assuming that IVF is inevitable.- Ends