Infertility is rising sharply among young couples across India, even as medical technology reaches new heights. Fertility specialists report a significant increase in infertility cases—especially among couples in their late 20s and 30s—highlighting a new and worrying trend: infertility as a lifestyle disorder.

While medical conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, and poor sperm quality remain common causes, experts point to a new and growing set of contributors: stress-heavy lifestyles, constant screen exposure, delayed childbearing, poor diet, and environmental toxins. These factors collectively are redefining reproductive health in India.

📉 India’s Fertility Rate Drops Below Replacement Level

India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, according to SRS data.

• 18 states and UTs, including Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal, now fall below replacement fertility.
• For the first time, rural India has reached a TFR of 2.1, while urban India has dipped further to 1.5.
• Fertility is declining fastest among women aged 15–29, while increasing slightly among women above 30—clear evidence of changing reproductive timelines.

🕒 How Delayed Parenthood Is Reshaping Fertility in India

Dr Sabia Mangat, Consultant Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist at Milann Fertility Hospital, explains that more couples now postpone parenthood to pursue careers, financial security, or personal goals. While empowering, this trend clashes with biological limits.

👩‍🦰 For Women

Women are born with a finite number of eggs.

• Egg quality and egg quantity decline rapidly after age 32
• Increased age leads to higher chances of chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriages, and difficulty conceiving

👨 For Men

Lifestyle pressures impact male fertility too.

• Long work hours
• Smoking & alcohol
• High stress
• Lack of sleep
  These contribute to lower sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Together, these age-related and lifestyle-driven factors are pushing infertility into younger age groups at unprecedented rates.

🏙️ Modern Urban Lifestyle: A Hidden Infertility Engine

Urban living dramatically impacts reproductive health.

Top Lifestyle Risks:

• Chronic stress → hormonal imbalance
• Sedentary lifestyle → obesity, insulin resistance
• Long screen hours → reduced melatonin, disrupted hormones
• Irregular sleep schedules
• High-pressure work environments

Stress particularly affects:

• Ovulation in women
• Testosterone levels and sperm health in men

These effects lead to poorer natural conception rates and also reduce success rates in IVF.

🍔 Diet & Nutrition: A Growing Threat to Fertility

Modern eating patterns are harming reproductive health.
Increased consumption of:

• Processed foods
• Sugary drinks
• Refined carbohydrates
• High-sodium snacks

These contribute to inflammation, obesity, and metabolic disorders, all of which reduce fertility.

Experts recommend a fertility-supportive diet rich in:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Antioxidants

Deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are becoming increasingly common in urban India, further affecting egg and sperm quality.

☣️ Environmental Toxins: The Invisible Threat

Everyday exposure to environmental pollutants plays a larger role than people realize.

Common fertility-disrupting toxins:

• Air pollution
• Pesticide residues
• Plasticisers like BPA and phthalates
• Cosmetic chemicals
• Household cleaners

These chemicals interfere with:

• Menstrual cycle regularity
• Sperm production and maturation
• Embryo implantation

Long-term, these disruptions collectively impact population fertility rates.

💔 The Emotional Toll: Infertility in a Fast-Paced India

Beyond physical causes, infertility often brings tremendous emotional stress.

Couples commonly experience:

• Anxiety
• Isolation
• Depression
• Relationship strain
• Social pressure

The modern lifestyle leaves little room for emotional processing or support, creating a cycle where stress worsens hormone balance and further impacts fertility.

🌱 Infertility as a Lifestyle Disorder: Why Awareness Is Crucial

Recognizing infertility as a lifestyle-driven condition empowers couples to take preventive steps early.

Recommended preventive strategies:

• Prioritize regular health checkups
• Maintain a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet
• Reduce smoking & alcohol consumption
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Practice stress reduction techniques (yoga, meditation, mindfulness)
• Ensure 7–8 hours of sleep
• Consider fertility preservation (egg or sperm freezing) if planning delayed parenthood

These proactive steps can significantly improve reproductive outcomes.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Tips provided are for general awareness and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or treatment plans.

Pregnancy is a time when advice flows freely—from well-meaning relatives, friends, and even strangers online. While some guidance is helpful, much of it is outdated, misleading, or simply a myth. According to experts, clinging to these myths can sometimes interfere with healthy pregnancy habits.

Dr. Renu Malik, Director at Malik Radix Healthcare, shares evidence-based insights to separate fact from fiction. Here’s what expectant mothers really need to know about pregnancy nutrition.

Myth 1: “Eating for Two” Means Double the Food

The idea that pregnancy requires eating for two is probably the most famous—and misleading—myth.

What experts say:
Dr. Malik points out that during the first trimester, most women don’t need extra calories. During the second trimester, an additional 340–350 calories per day is usually sufficient, rising to about 450 calories in the third trimester.

Practical advice: Focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than doubling portions. Include:

• Leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Legumes
• Healthy fats

Myth 2: Avoid All Seafood

Many women skip seafood entirely due to fears of mercury.

Reality check: Not all fish are dangerous. Low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, shrimp, canned light tuna, and catfish are safe and beneficial for fetal brain development. High-mercury fish such as swordfish and king mackerel should be avoided.

Dr. Malik emphasizes: “Seafood is not the enemy—mercury is. Two to three servings of low-mercury fish per week are recommended.”

Myth 3: You Must Quit Caffeine Completely

Complete avoidance of caffeine is unnecessary for most pregnancies.

Guidelines:

• Up to 200 mg per day (about 1–2 cups of coffee) is considered safe.
• Remember caffeine is also present in tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and some energy drinks.

Myth 4: Avoid Nuts to Prevent Allergies

Some believe that avoiding peanuts and nuts reduces the risk of childhood allergies.

Fact: No evidence supports this. In fact, nuts provide excellent protein and healthy fats, important for maternal nutrition. Unless the mother has a personal allergy, there’s no reason to eliminate them.

Myth 5: Ghee or Spicy Food Can Ease Labour

Many traditional beliefs claim ghee “lubricates the birth canal” or spicy food induces labour.

Scientific reality:

• Ghee is a calorie-dense saturated fat—no effect on labour.
• Spicy food may cause heartburn but does not trigger contractions.

Myth 6: Diet Can Influence Baby’s Skin or Hair

Pregnancy folklore is full of claims—from saffron milk for fair skin to coconut water for thick hair.

Expert insight: Genetics, not diet, determine your baby’s appearance. No food can change skin tone, hair texture, or eye color.

What food can do: Support healthy growth, brain development, and maternal wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

Much of the confusion around pregnancy nutrition comes from generational advice. Evidence shows that the healthiest approach is straightforward:

• Balanced, diverse diet: Emphasize nutrient-rich foods rather than following food myths.
• Moderate calorie intake: Don’t overeat “for two.”
• Safe consumption: Include low-mercury fish, moderate caffeine, and nuts unless allergic.
• Consult your doctor: Before making significant changes or avoiding certain foods.

By letting go of outdated myths, pregnant women can focus on what truly matters: nutrition that supports their health and the baby’s development.

Feeling feverish and acidic at the same time? Palaash Muchhal’s case shows why you shouldn’t ignore it

The recent hospitalisation of Palaash Muchhal — cricketer, music composer, and fiancé of Smriti Mandhana — after a viral infection combined with severe acidity has drawn attention to a commonly overlooked issue: digestive problems intensifying during fevers. Though he is stable now, his case highlights how quickly routine infections can escalate when gut symptoms are ignored.

For most people, viral illnesses come with familiar complaints like fever, body ache, or a runny nose. But when the digestive system gets affected, the illness can feel significantly more exhausting. Doctors note that acidity and reflux often worsen during infections due to dehydration, stress on the body, and disrupted eating patterns. Reduced food intake and fluid loss can make the stomach more acidic, aggravating discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Persistent high fever not responding to medication
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Burning sensation in the chest (acid reflux)
• Severe acidity or stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of dehydration such as dry lips, dizziness, or reduced urination
• Ongoing discomfort despite rest

If these symptoms continue for more than 24–48 hours, or if the pain feels unusually intense — as happened in Palaash’s case — medical attention is essential.

Why Infections Worsen Acidity

Viral infections can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. When combined with irregular meals, dehydration, and an overworked immune system, the stomach produces excess acid. This results in acidity, heartburn, and indigestion.

How to Protect Yourself

Health experts recommend simple steps to prevent complications:

• Stay well-hydrated
• Eat light, non-spicy meals
• Avoid long gaps between meals
• Rest sufficiently and avoid physical exertion

Palaash Muchhal’s situation is a timely reminder: never ignore early warning signs from your body. Even mild viral infections can strain your system, especially when accompanied by digestive issues.Feeling feverish and acidic at the same time? Palaash Muchhal’s case shows why you shouldn’t ignore it

The recent hospitalisation of Palaash Muchhal — cricketer, music composer, and fiancé of Smriti Mandhana — after a viral infection combined with severe acidity has drawn attention to a commonly overlooked issue: digestive problems intensifying during fevers. Though he is stable now, his case highlights how quickly routine infections can escalate when gut symptoms are ignored.

For most people, viral illnesses come with familiar complaints like fever, body ache, or a runny nose. But when the digestive system gets affected, the illness can feel significantly more exhausting. Doctors note that acidity and reflux often worsen during infections due to dehydration, stress on the body, and disrupted eating patterns. Reduced food intake and fluid loss can make the stomach more acidic, aggravating discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Persistent high fever not responding to medication
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Burning sensation in the chest (acid reflux)
• Severe acidity or stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of dehydration such as dry lips, dizziness, or reduced urination
• Ongoing discomfort despite rest

If these symptoms continue for more than 24–48 hours, or if the pain feels unusually intense — as happened in Palaash’s case — medical attention is essential.

Why Infections Worsen Acidity

Viral infections can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. When combined with irregular meals, dehydration, and an overworked immune system, the stomach produces excess acid. This results in acidity, heartburn, and indigestion.

How to Protect Yourself

Health experts recommend simple steps to prevent complications:

• Stay well-hydrated
• Eat light, non-spicy meals
• Avoid long gaps between meals
• Rest sufficiently and avoid physical exertion

Palaash Muchhal’s situation is a timely reminder: never ignore early warning signs from your body. Even mild viral infections can strain your system, especially when accompanied by digestive issues.Feeling feverish and acidic at the same time? Palaash Muchhal’s case shows why you shouldn’t ignore it

The recent hospitalisation of Palaash Muchhal — cricketer, music composer, and fiancé of Smriti Mandhana — after a viral infection combined with severe acidity has drawn attention to a commonly overlooked issue: digestive problems intensifying during fevers. Though he is stable now, his case highlights how quickly routine infections can escalate when gut symptoms are ignored.

For most people, viral illnesses come with familiar complaints like fever, body ache, or a runny nose. But when the digestive system gets affected, the illness can feel significantly more exhausting. Doctors note that acidity and reflux often worsen during infections due to dehydration, stress on the body, and disrupted eating patterns. Reduced food intake and fluid loss can make the stomach more acidic, aggravating discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Persistent high fever not responding to medication
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Burning sensation in the chest (acid reflux)
• Severe acidity or stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of dehydration such as dry lips, dizziness, or reduced urination
• Ongoing discomfort despite rest

If these symptoms continue for more than 24–48 hours, or if the pain feels unusually intense — as happened in Palaash’s case — medical attention is essential.

Why Infections Worsen Acidity

Viral infections can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. When combined with irregular meals, dehydration, and an overworked immune system, the stomach produces excess acid. This results in acidity, heartburn, and indigestion.

How to Protect Yourself

Health experts recommend simple steps to prevent complications:

• Stay well-hydrated
• Eat light, non-spicy meals
• Avoid long gaps between meals
• Rest sufficiently and avoid physical exertion

Palaash Muchhal’s situation is a timely reminder: never ignore early warning signs from your body. Even mild viral infections can strain your system, especially when accompanied by digestive issues.