Infertility in Urban India Among Men and Women
- Jatinder Singh
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Jatinder Singh, Jadetimes Staff
J. Singh is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Health and Asia news.
Infertility is no longer a rare or hushed issue; it has become a rising public health concern in India, particularly in urban and semi-urban populations. As modern lifestyles evolve and stress levels soar, so does the rate of reproductive challenges among both men and women. Today, infertility is not just a personal issue it’s a societal challenge with emotional, economic, and public health consequences.Let’s look at the numbers, compare male and female infertility trends, and explore what’s fueling this epidemic in Indian cities.
Infertility in India: The Numbers
According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), 10–14% of Indian couples experience infertility. In urban areas, this rate is much higher — as much as 1 in every 6 couples (15–18%) face difficulty in conceiving.India reports over 27 million couples actively trying to conceive but facing infertility.
Gender Comparison: Who’s Affected More?
Male Infertility in Urban India Accounts for 40–50% of infertility cases.Main causes include:Low sperm count, Poor motility, Hormonal imbalances, Varicocele (enlarged veins in scrotum), Erectile dysfunction or lifestyle-related factors.
Stats:A 2022 AIIMS study showed that sperm count in Indian men has declined by over 30% in the past 15 years.Average urban male sperm count is now around 20 million/mL (normal is 15–200 million), with many hovering on the borderline of infertility.
Female Infertility in Urban India Responsible for 40–50% of cases.Common causes include: PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Endometriosis, Blocked fallopian tubes, Early menopause,Hormonal disorders
Stats:PCOS affects nearly 1 in 5 urban women of reproductive age in India.Rising obesity and thyroid disorders are pushing more women into ovulatory dysfunction and delayed conception.
Gender Breakdown of Infertility Causes (Urban India Estimate)
Cause % of Cases
Male Factor 40–50%
Female Factor 40–50%
Both Partners (Combined) 10–15%
Unexplained Infertility 10–15%
Note: Many cases involve overlapping or combined factors, especially in urban lifestyles.
Why Is Infertility Rising in Urban India?
Late Marriages & Delayed Parenthood Average age of first-time parents has increased to 30–35 years in metros.Fertility naturally declines after 30 in women, and 40 in men.Poor Diet & Obesity High sugar, junk food, and processed diets reduce reproductive health.Obesity increases risk of PCOS in women and low testosterone in men.Nearly 25% of urban adults are overweight or obese (NFHS-5).
Sedentary Lifestyle Lack of physical activity affects metabolism, hormones, and stress levels. Men with low physical activity are more likely to have poor sperm quality.
Stress and Mental Health High-stress jobs, traffic, peer pressure, and lack of work-life balance create cortisol overload, which disrupts fertility hormones in both men and women.Chronic stress = Reduced ovulation in women + low testosterone/sperm in men
Smoking, Alcohol, and Substance Use 1 in 3 Indian urban men smoke or drink regularly.These habits significantly lower sperm quality and sexual health.
Technology and Screen Addiction Blue light, late-night screen use, and reduced sleep, Impacts melatonin and testosterone, Affects menstrual regularity in women
Lack of Preventive Health Checks Most urban couples do not go for pre-marital or pre-pregnancy fertility screening. By the time they seek help, age and lifestyle have already caused damage.
Emotional and Social Toll Infertility is still a stigma in Indian society.Couples, especially women, are subjected to emotional stress, social pressure, and family blame. Men often avoid discussing the issue out of shame or equate it with a loss of masculinity. Result: Delayed treatment, emotional isolation, and silent suffering.
Ayurvedic View on Infertility Ayurveda considers infertility as a result of dosha imbalance, weakened reproductive tissues (Shukra/Rakta dhatu), and poor digestion (Agni).
For Men: Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Kapikacchu, Gokshura for sperm count and vitality, Vajikarana therapy to rejuvenate reproductive energy.
For Women: Shatavari, Ashoka, Lodhra, Dashmool for hormonal balance and ovulation,Panchakarma detox to purify the system before conception.
Ayurvedic lifestyle also includes: Stress management through yoga & meditation, Detoxification & seasonal diet adjustments, Deep tissue nourishment through Rasayana herbs.
Rise in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)
Due to increased infertility: India sees over 2.5 lakh IVF cycles annually (projected to grow 20% YoY), Average cost of IVF: ₹1.5–₹2.5 lakhs per cycle out of reach for many, Prevention is cheaper, safer, and more natural than late-stage intervention.
Conclusion: Awareness is the First Step to Parenthood
Infertility in urban India is rising rapidly — but it is not untreatable. Early awareness, lifestyle change, and holistic approaches (Ayurveda, natural wellness) can prevent, manage, or reverse many reproductive issues in both men and women.
“Infertility is not a curse, not a character flaw — it’s a medical issue that needs care, not shame.”
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