As Infertility Rates Climb, Experts Advocate for Holistic Fertility Treatments Over IVF as a First Step
Hyderabad,
India, August 23, 2024: India is facing an alarming
rise in infertility rates, with an estimated 27.5 million married couples
struggling to conceive. This growing crisis has led many to consider In Vitro
Fertilization (IVF) as a solution. However, leading reproductive health experts,
including Dr. Lalitha Hatkar of Dr. Lalitha Fertility & Laparoscopic Center
Hyderabad, argue that IVF should be considered only after exploring less
invasive and more holistic fertility treatments.
The
Escalating Infertility Crisis
The statistics are staggering. Infertility is
now a reality for one in six couples in India, a silent epidemic that
underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to fertility treatment.
Despite the growing number of affected couples, only about 275,000 IVF cycles
are conducted annually in India.
Dr. Lalitha Hatkar, a renowned international
expert in reproductive health, explains, “IVF is a highly advanced and
effective procedure with tremendous success rates, but it should not be the
first resort. A thorough examination of all possible fertility treatments is
crucial. This increases the chances of natural conception and ensures that the
treatment aligns with the couple’s specific needs.”
Dr. Lalitha Hatkar, as a passionate advocate
for women’s empowerment, launched the Nari Shakti Social Impact Studio to
tackle the critical health challenges women face today. “We’ve seen incredible
engagement with over 300 volunteers joining our cause,” she shares. “Through
this initiative, we’ve successfully educated more than 1,073 young women,
providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed
decisions about their health. By reaching out to young women early, we’re not
just offering education—we’re empowering them to take control of their lives
and align their choices with their aspirations.”
Understanding
IVF and Its Implication
IVF involves a series of complex steps,
including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval,
fertilisation, and embryo transfer. While it
offers hope to many couples, the process is
emotionally and financially demanding. As a
result, Dr. Lalitha Hatkar and her team advocate
for a more measured approach, prioritising
less invasive treatments and lifestyle changes
before opting for IVF.
Healthcare consultant Faraz Zeeshan adds,
“Indian IVF procedures are relatively affordable compared to global standards.
However, the economic realities for many couples in India make the cost of
these treatments a significant challenge. Each IVF cycle, ranging from Rs 1.25
lakh to Rs 2 lakh, represents a substantial financial commitment, especially
considering that these expenses are typically out-of-pocket and not covered by
health insurance.
In a country where healthcare already
constitutes one of the largest out-of-pocket expenditures, the added burden of
IVF can be overwhelming. The societal pressures push couples towards hasty
decisions, driven by a lack of awareness and a desire for immediate results,
without fully exploring all available options.
Understanding these economic pressures, we
have launched the Arogya Sathi healthcare helpline 89700 33555. Our mission is
to provide free, unbiased guidance, ensuring that patients are fully informed
about the entire spectrum of fertility treatments and other high-cost
procedures before committing to any significant financial outlay,” Dr. Lalitha
states. “By empowering patients with the right knowledge, we aim to make
fertility care more accessible and financially sustainable for all.”
A
Holistic Approach to Fertility Treatment
Dr. Lalitha Hatkar stresses the importance of
early management of conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which
significantly impacts fertility. “Proactive management of conditions like PCOS
is critical. By addressing these issues early, we can improve fertility
outcomes and potentially reduce the need for more invasive treatments like IVF.
By exploring every possible treatment option before resorting to advanced
procedures like IVF, couples can navigate the challenges of infertility with
greater confidence and hope," she advises.
The
Road Ahead
As infertility becomes an increasingly
pressing issue in India, the need for a comprehensive, empathetic approach to
treatment is more important than ever. Prioritising a thorough evaluation of
all fertility measures and addressing underlying health conditions can help
couples make more informed decisions and improve their chances of conception.
This approach not only enhances individual
outcomes but also contributes to the broader stability of society and the
economy.
For more information, please visit:
drlalithahospital.com