In India, fertility comes into discussion only when a couple is attempting to conceive. This delay in conversation means many to lose the chance to know and prepare for their reproductive life in advance. Since fertility education is not included in our school curriculum, young adults are likely to grow up without knowledge of how age, health, and lifestyle issues can affect fertility in the long term.
Starting these conversations sooner, ideally during late adolescence, can have immense long-term benefits. A woman’s fertility peaks at her early 20s, yet this is also the period when most are focused on careers and exploring individual goals. By the time family becomes a priority, fertility potential may already have begun to decline. Early awareness helps young people know their reproductive schedules and make informed choices that will suit their life agenda.
It is also important to understand that fertility challenges isn’t a woman’s burden alone. Social narratives are prone to placing the onus of fertility problems on women only when according to statistics, male factor infertility is responsible for 40–50% of cases of infertility. Age, obesity, smoking and alcohol, and poor lifestyle choices can all negatively affect sperm quality and fertility capability. Such discussions around fertility therefore must be inclusive, with an aim to encourage men to take note and participate in family planning.
Apart from education, such early fertility conversations also allows for timely medical intervention. PCOS, low ovarian reserve, or declining sperm parameters can be identified and managed early on, improving the chances of later natural or assisted conception. For those opting for delayed childbearing, fertility preservation methods such as freezing of eggs, sperm, or embryos offer additional flexibility.
Most people don’t think about fertility until they have to but by this time, windows of opportunity may have narrowed. Talking about fertility in advance isn’t about hastily taking actions or decisions but it’s about being informed about your options, posing the appropriate questions, and giving yourself the freedom to create a future that suits you.
By Dr Sonali Mandal Bandyopadhyaya, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Howrah