As more couples choose to start families later in life due to higher education, career aspirations, financial planning and delayed marriage, fertility specialists are raising concerns about a growing gap between life planning and reproductive biology.
Dr Sonali Mandal Bandhyopadhyaya, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Howrah, said many couples feel emotionally and financially prepared for parenthood at a later stage, but biological fertility timelines often do not align with these decisions. She noted that women experience a gradual decline in ovarian reserve from their late twenties, with a sharper reduction after the age of 35, while factors such as age, lifestyle, stress, medical conditions and semen quality can also affect male fertility.
According to fertility experts, many couples seek medical advice only after trying to conceive for a year or longer, by which time the path to pregnancy may become more complicated. Research indicates that age at the time couples begin trying to conceive remains one of the strongest factors influencing both natural conception and outcomes in assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
In Howrah, fertility clinics in the region are witnessing increased awareness among urban couples seeking early reproductive health assessments. Healthcare providers say there is growing interest in fertility screening services as individuals look to better understand their reproductive health before actively planning a family.