Fertility problems are on the rise these days, both among men and women. However, many couples don't get tested at the right time. According to experts, these tests are postponed due to lack of awareness and busy schedules, especially among working couples. Approximately 60 percent of working couples ignore reproductive health check-ups, which increases the risk of future pregnancy problems.

Fertility problems aren't limited to women, but can affect both men and women. Women may experience problems like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid problems, low ovarian egg counts, or low egg quality.

What are the symptoms?
Experts say that many of these problems develop gradually and don't show any significant symptoms initially. In some cases, symptoms like irregular periods, abdominal pain, and hormonal imbalances appear. However, many women remain undiagnosed for a long time.

Men can also experience reproductive problems. Low sperm counts, poor motility, or hormonal changes can make it difficult to conceive. Most often, testing is considered only after a failed pregnancy attempt. According to experts, this is a major mistake, and therefore, timely testing is crucial.

According to Dr. Upasana Garg, Regional Technical Head at Apollo Diagnostics in Mumbai, fertility testing isn't just done when there's a problem. It should be part of a scheduled health check-up. In women, ovulation is tracked to see if eggs are being produced and released regularly. Hormone tests include AMH, FSH, LH, prolactin, and thyroid profile, which help understand ovarian capacity and egg quality.

Dr. Garg further explained that ultrasound tests are also used to check for blockages in the uterus and fallopian tubes. For men, a semen analysis test assesses sperm count, motility, and structure. All of these tests are useful for early diagnosis.

Nearly six out of ten working couples between the ages of 25 and 37 are late in getting tested. About 40 percent of these couples may experience infertility issues. In such cases, assisted reproductive treatments like IVF, ICSI, or IUI may be needed. Timely testing increases the chances of a natural pregnancy and reduces mental stress.

According to Dr. Parikshit Tank, gynecologist at Zinova Shelby Hospital in Mumbai, many working couples lack complete knowledge about reproductive health. They put off testing due to their busy lifestyles. However, age and lifestyle have a direct impact on fertility. If basic tests like hormone tests, ultrasound, ovarian reserve tests, and semen analysis are performed on time, problems can be detected early.

RochakKhabre