The Fact Maker

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency on the Rise: Nova IVF Fertility highlights on low ovarian reserve amidst India’s falling fertility rate

Nova IVF Fertility highlights the growing concern among Indian women—Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and declining ovarian reserves of Indian women.  Premature Ovarian Insufficiency refers to a decline in ovarian function before the age of 40, and in rare cases, women as young as 29 years have reported symptoms. The fertility chain has observed at least 30-50% of women coming with infertility due to poor ovarian reserve.

It is important to note that the cause of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency primarily remains unexplained, however factors such as genetics, auto immune disease, environmental factors such as exposure to toxins could be some of the causes. Some medical treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery in the pelvic area and removal of ovaries could also lead to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Dr. Rohit Gutgutia, Medical Director at Nova IVF Fertility, said, “While only 2-3% of our patients are experiencing Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in their late 20s, the majority face the issue between 38 to 40 years. This is concerning, as the average age of menopause in India is 47 years, and we are seeing women with poor ovarian reserves come in for conception at 38 years. Our focus is to make necessary adjustments in treatment protocols to ensure we retrieve an adequate number of healthy  eggs, and every patient receives tailored care based on their unique ovarian reserve and health status”

Studies indicate that Indian women’s ovaries age six years faster than their Caucasian counterparts, putting them at a reproductive disadvantage. The symptoms of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency can mostly be irregular periods. But most symptoms could be very similar to menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, thinning hair, etc.

Dr. Sonia Malik, Chief Clinical Mentor at Nova IVF Fertility, emphasizes the need for a proactive parenthood planning, especially amidst falling fertility rate in India.  “Couples today are focusing on their careers and delaying conception. It is crucial to have a balance and raise awareness that, along with career goals, fertility health must also be prioritized. Considering that Indian women’s ovaries age faster, it is advisable to consult a fertility specialist and undergo a fertility test when women are in their late 20s. This allows them to make informed decisions about family planning and if they would like to push parenthood, they can always look at freezing their eggs”.

This growing trend underscores the importance of early fertility assessments and proactive care in fertility health.  Nova IVF Fertility is a comprehensive fertility treatment centre, that has well-equipped lab with the latest technologies and follows international standards for delivering fertility treatments.