VIJAYAWADA: The number of couples with infertility in the state have increased by three times in the past decade and looking at the trend, the problem is only going to worsen.Dr Chandana, fertility specialist and secretary of Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction , says that earlier, there used to be one couple with infertility issues in 10 couples and now the number has risen to three in the state. “The official data is insufficient to narrow down on the reasons for the infertility in the region itself. However, the number of cases detected is high here and could be attributed to the increased awareness,” she said.However, the state has shown much lower fertility rates than the national average according to the data submitted by the latest available Sample Registration System (SRS) statistical report. While the national average of total fertility rate is 2.3, in Andhra Pradesh, it is as low as 1.7, making it one of the states with lowest fertility rates.“We are seeing more men approaching the doctors with infertility issues now than earlier. Increasing stress levels and lack of physical fitness are the common complaints they have and need to be addressed,” Dr Chandana said.Dr Samaram, sexologist and former national president of Indian Medical Association said that late marriages are a major cause of infertility among couples. “Women who marry late, especially, tend to develop complications as the hormonal constitution changes with the age,” he said.“We tend to undermine the effect of lifestyle problems like obesity on our lives. But, obesity is one of the major causes of infertility among both men and women. Hormonal imbalances caused by lack of balanced nutritious food is also a looming problem among young couples,” he added.On the other hand, patients who seek medical help to solve infertility problems should be aware that it is a time taking process. “The success of the treatment varies from each couple. While it takes a month for a couple to conceive, it might take a couple of years for some couples. It is important that they don’t jump from doctor to doctor and stick with one,” said Dr Chandana.Meanwhile, there is a dire need to increase awareness on sexual and reproductive health among the young population in order to prevent infertility issues, opine the doctors.ObesityStress levelsNutritional deficiencyHormonal imbalancesProblems with ovulationPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)HypothyroidismHyperthyroidismProblems with the uterus.EndometriosisHypothalamic or pituitary disorderGonad disorderSperm transport disorderExposure to heat for prolonged time

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