IVF An Innovation-driven Blessing For The Childless

Call it the effect of immense stress, modern lifestyle, late marriages or surging pollution, the problem of infertility seems to be badly gripping young couples in India. But thanks to In-Vitro-Fertilisation technique, popularly called IVF, a big hope today prevails for people, writes Sandeep Datta of Elets News Network (ENN).

- Sandeep Datta

Infertility is when a couple cannot conceive despite having regular unprotected sex. Though the reason could be anything from a range of disorders or lifestyle factors, fertility problems cannot be explained in around a third of cases.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Nearly three decades after the first test tube baby – Harsha -- was successfully delivered in India, the country’s IVF industry has been reportedly evolving up to global standards both in terms of quality and business growth.

With the proposed Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) Bill addressing many of the ethical issues related to IVF treatment, donor programmes and in tandem with Surrogacy Bill, IVF business is showing rapid growth in the country.

THE BIG CHALLENGE

Of the many challenges, a key fact is that we do not have enough ART centres. We need more doctors who are trained well enough to carry out the complete IVF practise.

GROWTH OF INFERTILITY (ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY) CENTERS

Be it medical advances, medical reasons, or social factors, there is reportedly a fast growth in the country’s IVF market.

a) While mentioning about medical reasons, late marriages, postponing child-bearing due to career / professional needs and financial reasons, lifestyle issues – alcohol /smoking/obesity can be classified as key factors making it difficult to conceive.

b) Today, as far as “medical advancements” are concerned, more options are available and the access is getting better. Advanced treatments have made it possible to tackle more varieties of fertility problems.

c) When it comes to “social reasons” infertility still remains a stigma, the need for a baby is very high. The patient awareness is increasing. With different celebrities accepting to have availed fertility treatments, social acceptance of the IVF treatment will continue to consolidate.