The increasing concern of infertility in India and its relation to some lifestyle factors. The NFHS-5 reported 18.7 out of 1000 women married for over five years experience infertility. Secondary infertility continues to increase with disturbing trends often associated with the age of marriage (especially over the age of 35), obesity, increased rates of thyroid disorder and exposure to smoking, and alcohol consumption. Age or medical issues are not the only elements impacting fertility; numerous lifestyle choices made by individuals each day can have a significant impact on fertility. More often than not, smaller lifestyle patterns either contribute to fertility issues or build, support, and create negative habits without being aware.
Lifeytrain lifestyle changes can lead to serious consequences, as nearly half of Indian women aged 35-49 are overweight or obese, leading to PCOS, irregular menstrual patterns, metabolic dysfunction impacting reproductive health, etc.
How Your Daily Habits Fit Into These Trends
Given what we see in India, these daily habits below are especially significant. Many of them directly relate to the risk factors being observed across the population.
Sleep Patterns
Sleep disruption or irregularity has further been established to alter cortisol and other reproductive hormones, which control ovulation. With urban working schedules, shift work, and time on screens at night, many people sleep less than they require. Irregular sleep is a significant stress factor and disrupts metabolic pathways, which are both well-established risk factors, in Indian studies, associated with obesity and thyroid disorders, both of which impact fertility directly.
Nutrition Choices
Unhealthy diets, intake of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats are closely linked to the increasingly high prevalence of obesity in women, which is alarming, because the national data we can review to support both nutrition and health are particularly problematic for women of childbearing age.
Stress Levels
In India, childbearing is delayed because of educational, occupational, and financial goals. Though it has been empowering, psychological stress has increased disparities in hormonal problems and reproductive health. Data from the NFHS and comparable studies show a high incidence of infertility in urban areas characterized by stress, late marriages, and demanding professional lifestyles.
Exercise Balance
One of the most commonly reported lifestyle factors related to infertility in India is physical inactivity. The Patiala study and other studies cited within it, whether they are based in India or elsewhere, report negative impacts on reproductive health from sedentary behaviour. Of course, excessive or highly intense exercise may also disrupt the menstrual cycle if combined with inadequate nutrition and insufficient recovery, but, in the Indian context, physical inactivity coupled with weight gain is almost certainly more problematic vis-à-vis infertility risk.
Substance Exposure
Behavioural habits contributing to secondary infertility, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, are directly related to the increase in cases of secondary infertility in India. High levels of caffeine consumption are also being studied, as with exposure to pesticides and heavy metals in the environment. The Patiala study reports that levels of heavy metals in infertile cases were above the limit for unexposed individuals, thus showing the role of lifestyle and the environment in human fertility.
Screen Time & Sedentary Hours
Long periods of sitting still, in conjunction with excessive screen time, have been significantly associated with increasing obesity in women in the age bracket of 35-49 years in India. Long durations of sedentary behavior, even more so with late-night screens, contribute to sleep disturbances and insulin resistance, leading to metabolic dysregulation and possible aggravation of PCOS, negatively impacting fertility.
Environmental Toxins
Pollution is a type of environmental toxin that can act as an endocrine disruptor by mimicking or blocking natural hormones and affecting fertility, with potential effects in men for poor sperm quality and in women for irregular cycles. Fertility does not come from biology alone. Your lifestyle choices are impacting your fertility each day. Research from India indicates infertility rates are increasing, with secondary infertility occurring more frequently, with much of the infertility cited to lifestyle and environmental issues, rather than medical problems, which cannot be influenced.
You can make small, but intentional changes to benefit reproductive health and viability for a potentially healthy pregnancy. Have 7-8 hours of quality night sleep everyday for the greatest benefits for fertilization and overall reproductive health. Add whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables, while trying to severely limit processed franchise chicken, soft drinks, and trans fats in your diet. Moderate activity (30-60 minutes most days) is also a great addition, whether walking to the corner, doing yoga, or biking, which will also improve circulation, hormone regulation, and overall health.
By- Dr Kajal Singh, Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, NIIMS Medical College and Hospital
