Latest news with #BirlaFertilityandIVF
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Egg freezing sees surge in demand across Indian cities as infertility rises
A growing number of Indian women are turning to egg freezing as a way to take control of their reproductive futures, as delayed motherhood, increasing infertility, and growing awareness around fertility preservation drive demand across the country. IVF chains and fertility specialists report a marked uptick in inquiries — with some seeing as many as 500 to 800 inquiries per month — for what was once considered a niche service. The Indian egg freezing and embryo banking market was valued at $206 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4 per cent to reach $632.5 million by 2030. Medical reasons and lifestyle choices drive demand 'While many women are postponing family planning to focus on education, careers and personal goals, awareness of medical egg freezing is increasing among women with conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis or those undergoing fertility-impacting treatments like chemotherapy,' said Abhishek Aggrawal, chief executive officer, Birla Fertility and IVF. He added that their centres receive 500–800 egg freezing enquiries per month. "At our clinics, we find that egg freezing is most commonly chosen by professionals who are early to mid in their careers, who are aware of fertility preservation and want to plan their timelines proactively. This includes a significant number of women from corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds, and we are also seeing growing interest from doctors and healthcare professionals. These women see fertility preservation as an important part of both their personal and professional planning," Aggrawal explained. Elective egg freezing on the rise Experts believe that egg freezing will become a core part of fertility services in the coming decade, both from a medical and commercial standpoint. Beena Muktesh, clinical director–IVF at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon, stated, 'We are seeing a steady rise in egg freezing inquiries. While about 15 per cent of our consultations in 2023–24 focused on egg freezing, this year there has been a 20–25 per cent increase in consultations specifically for elective egg freezing.' Currently, egg freezing represents a small fraction of the fertility services market in India, but industry leaders expect this to change. 'While precise revenue contributions are difficult to quantify, trends in India appear to reflect patterns seen in the US and Europe, where both revenues and patient numbers for egg freezing have been rising steadily in recent years,' Aggrawal added. 'In India, too, the segment is gaining traction, especially in urban areas and among working professionals.' Google Trends data shows searches for 'egg freezing' in India have risen by over 150 per cent in the past year, with the highest traction in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Clinics across the country are seeing this translate into action. At Yellow Fertility, which currently has three centres, monthly egg freezing inquiries average around 50–60, with a growing share from women in their late 20s and early 30s. 'It's about giving women choices,' said Ambika Bhaik, the company's chief executive officer. 'Whether it's career, health, or simply not being ready, every frozen egg represents the ability to plan life on one's own terms.' The surge is being felt most sharply in metro cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. However, Tier-2 cities including Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kochi, Indore and Lucknow are also witnessing steady growth as awareness and accessibility increase. Cost and customisation options expand Egg freezing typically ranges between Rs 80,000 and Rs 250,000 per cycle, depending on the clinic, city and specifics of treatment. 'This includes consultation, diagnostic tests, hormone injections, egg retrieval, freezing and storage. Hormonal medication alone can take up a big share of the cost,' stated Gauri Agarwal, founder of Seeds of Innocence. Most clinics bundle in the first year of storage, with annual charges thereafter between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000. To expand reach, providers are offering flexible payment plans and modular packages. 'At Yellow Fertility, we've introduced instalment-based and customisable programmes to make egg freezing financially accessible for middle-income women as well,' Bhaik said. Fertility preservation as reproductive insurance Experts revealed that the rise in egg freezing is closely tied to increasing infertility rates, particularly as more women delay marriage or childbirth due to career or personal reasons. Egg freezing is now increasingly seen as a form of reproductive insurance. Mahesh Koregol, national strategy director (fertility specialist) at Nova IVF Fertility, Koramangala, Bengaluru, stated, 'As fertility naturally declines with age, egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs when they are healthier and more viable.' The egg freezing process is also the start of the IVF cycle, where eggs are retrieved, frozen and later fertilised when the individual is ready to conceive. 'It serves as both a preventive and preparatory measure to manage future fertility risks,' Koregol added. Experts believe the ideal window for egg freezing is before 35 years of age, when egg quality and quantity are still favourable. "While it can still be done after that, success rates drop with age due to natural ovarian ageing," Shweta Mittal Gupta, senior fertility specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and secretary general of the Indian Fertility Society, added. Corporate backing, social change fuel adoption Experts also attribute the rise in egg freezing to broader changes in social norms, better fertility education and corporate support. Nova IVF says more than 80 companies have collaborated with it in the past two years to hold fertility education sessions. Shobhit Agarwal, chief executive officer, Nova IVF Fertility, stated, 'There is greater awareness of procedures like egg freezing, thanks to conversations on social media and celebrities opening up about it.' Data from multiple providers points to the emergence of a distinct demographic: working women, mostly in their early-to-mid 30s, from professional backgrounds such as IT, healthcare, aviation, law and entrepreneurship. Increasingly, this also includes single women and NRIs who want to preserve their fertility options for the future. With India's fertility rate already below the replacement level of 2.1, experts say fertility preservation services like egg freezing could play a vital role in addressing future demographic and reproductive challenges. As the technology improves and stigma around assisted reproductive options declines, fertility specialists expect egg freezing to become a routine part of reproductive healthcare in India over the next decade.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Fertility specialists explain how trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting impact men and women differently
Did you know intermittent fasting and diets like keto diet can have distinct effects on men and women, particularly when it comes to fertility? If you're considering intermittent fasting or keto diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine the best approach for your individual needs. Here's what fertility specialists have to say. Also read | About to start keto diet? 5 important things you need to know for best results Before starting any new diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, consult a doctor. (Freepik) How does keto diet impact women and men's fertility? Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Mumbai said, 'When we talk about trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting, it's important to remember that most people turn to them for weight loss or to improve their overall health. But when it comes to fertility, the effects aren't always straightforward. They can help in some cases, but not all, and the impact can look quite different for men and women." Dr Singh said about the keto diet: 'It's a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate protein. The aim is to push the body into a state called ketosis, where it starts burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In women, especially those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this can be helpful. Keto can lower insulin resistance, which is a core issue in PCOS, and that, in turn, can help regulate hormones. In obese women or those with insulin-related reproductive problems, this can sometimes lead to more regular ovulation and better chances of conception. In men, too, weight loss through keto may help improve testosterone levels, which could benefit sperm quality.' Dr Alimileti Jhansi Rani, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Hyderabad added about the keto diet: 'It's been studied more in the context of PCOS. There are small studies showing improvements in things like blood sugar control, weight loss, and even hormone levels related to ovulation. Some women also report better skin, less hair loss, and even feeling more balanced overall. In men, keto has been linked to better sperm quality, in terms of motility and morphology.' But there are drawbacks to keep in mind. 'Cutting out carbs too drastically can affect reproductive hormones like FSH and LH. And if the diet isn't nutritionally balanced, it can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients such as folate and iron, which are essential during pregnancy. We've also seen women report irregular or missed periods after starting keto, often linked to sudden weight loss and hormonal shifts,' Dr Singh said. Intermittent fasting can be an effective way to improve health, but it's essential to approach it safely and responsibly.(Shutterstock) How intermittent fasting affects women and men Dr Singh explained how intermittent fasting is a bit different: 'It usually involves eating only during a set window and fasting for the rest of the day. The main benefit again is weight loss. For women with PCOS, it may help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and bring some hormonal balance back, all of which can support fertility. But fasting for too long or being too restrictive can cause oestrogen levels to drop, which might disrupt ovulation or even stop periods altogether. In men, intermittent fasting may initially boost testosterone and sperm health, especially when it helps manage weight or blood sugar. But over time, if it's too extreme, it could have the opposite effect.' Dr Rani further shared, 'When we talk about intermittent fasting, we usually think of it as a way to manage weight or blood sugar, but it's starting to show some promise for reproductive health too. While there is a need for larger and better research on the subject, there seems to be ways these diets help with overall fertility." She added, 'In men, too, intermittent fasting might improve fertility. Some studies indicate better sperm count and motility, especially when fasting leads to weight loss or better metabolic health. But again, more research is needed before we recommend it specifically for that purpose.' Dr Rani added, 'There's also growing interest in how fasting might affect the gut microbiome, which we now know plays a big role in hormonal regulation. Some studies suggest intermittent fasting can improve the diversity and composition of gut microbes, which could in turn support better hormonal balance. And then there's the circadian rhythm. Eating in sync with the body's internal clock, like consuming food earlier in the day, might boost some of these positive effects.' Should you follow a diet at all? According to Dr Singh, while both keto and intermittent fasting can offer fertility benefits in specific contexts, they should be approached with caution, not too rigidly, and ideally with medical guidance. Dr Rani added: 'That said, both of these diets come with caveats. They're restrictive, they affect people differently, and they're definitely not one-size-fits-all. But for the right patient, particularly someone dealing with PCOS or metabolic issues, they might be worth considering, with proper medical guidance, of course.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Five factors beyond sperm count that cause male infertility
The latest report on global fertility by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says infertility is a key barrier to reproductive autonomy for almost 13 per cent of Indians. Studies also show that among the approximately 28 million people in the country who face infertility, male-factor infertility accounts for 40-50 per cent of the such a significant proportion, male fertility remains under-discussed and underdiagnosed, with little to no awareness beyond sperm count. This leaves no room to acknowledge the complex causes and possible solutions to the condition. Dr Vaani Mehta, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Chandigarh, lists the lesser-known factors impacting male fertility:advertisementGenetics: Genetic abnormalities are often left out of discussions when talking about infertility even though they can be significant contributors. One such example would be microdeletions in the Y chromosome, particularly in the Azoospermia Factor or AzF gene. If any part of AzF is deleted or mutated, it can disrupt the entire process of spermatogenesis and lead to a severely low sperm count or even complete absence of sperm in semen, resulting in dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction that affects fertility can manifest in many ways, with symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, problems relating to ejaculation and even low libido. In a 2023 study by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a projected 322 million men around the world were to be impacted by sexual dysfunction in 2025. Despite its impact, male sexual dysfunction is often underdiagnosed or undertreated. Recognising such symptoms early and addressing them through medical, psychological or lifestyle changes can significantly improve chances of natural Unhealthy lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle is another big factor that impacts male infertility. Several factors, such as obesity, diet or nutrition, stress, smoking and alcohol use, affect not just sperm count but also motility, morphology and sperm and emotional wellbeing: Our societal construct pressures men to curb their emotions, which leads to underlying stress and loneliness. Couple this with the stress and pressure to conceive and it negatively impacts their emotional health. It is essential for men and couples to put emotional wellbeing in focus and regulate stress to ease their fertility Underlying health issues, such as diabetes and hypertension, can also have a major impact on male fertility. High blood sugar levels can reduce sperm mobility, damage sperm DNA and hamper sperm morphology. Similarly, hypertension can affect blood flow to reproductive organs and even impact hormone to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
22-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
IVF players on expansion mode in smaller towns as fertility rates go down
Major in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) chains are expanding into untapped Tier 2 and 3 cities, driven by improved healthcare infrastructure, growing acceptance of fertility treatments, and rising disposable incomes in smaller urban centres. Birla Fertility and IVF, which currently operates around 30 centres in Tier 2 and 3 cities, plans to open at least 15 to 16 more centres in FY26, two-thirds of which will be in smaller towns. Nova IVF, which derives 40 per cent of its revenue from such cities, is exploring expansion in 15 locations including Haldwani, Jamnagar and Meerut. Indira IVF, the country's largest infertility chain, has also announced plans to enter over 25 Tier 3 cities by FY27. Explaining the rationale, Shobhit Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nova IVF Fertility, said, 'With one in six couples experiencing infertility in India, there is a need for fertility chains to expand to cater to couples battling infertility.' A recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlighted that India's total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 births per woman — below the replacement level of 2.1. The report echoes findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, which pegged India's TFR at 2.0 births per woman for 2019–21. The NFHS-5 also found the fertility rate had declined more significantly in rural areas, where it stood at 2.1 — down from 3.7 in NFHS-1 (1992–93). In urban areas, it fell to 1.6 from 2.7 in the same period. While infertility is not the sole factor behind the falling TFR, experts suggest infertility cases are expected to rise beyond Tier 1 cities, fuelled by stress-related lifestyle diseases and climate change. Industry insiders say IVF players are already witnessing increased demand for infertility treatment from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO of Birla Fertility and IVF, told Business Standard that more than 50 per cent of the company's annual IVF cycles are conducted in cities such as Siliguri, Varanasi and Prayagraj. 'While there is a rising segment in metros, with IVF chains receiving queries from women for procedures like egg freezing to delay parenthood, Tier 2 cities are providing an opportunity to tap less penetrated, high-potential markets,' he said. Agarwal added that many couples from Tier 2 regions find it difficult to travel to larger cities for fertility treatment, as the cost of travel, accommodation and lost wages makes the process financially burdensome. 'With expansion, we are bringing standardised fertility treatment to their home towns, with the best clinical acumen and embryologists,' he said. This model, he added, is affordable and avoids additional hassle. India currently performs around 200,000 to 250,000 IVF cycles annually, and the market is projected to grow to 400,000 cycles by 2030, with smaller cities expected to account for a substantial share of this growth. Aggrawal noted that to meet this growing demand, IVF chains are also focusing on building awareness to ensure fertility care is both accessible and better understood by those in need.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bengaluru doctors see rising cases of low ovarian reserve in women in their 20s & 30s
Bengaluru: Fertility specialists across Bengaluru are raising a red flag: Low ovarian reserve , a condition traditionally seen in women nearing their 40s, is now increasingly being diagnosed in much younger women. More women in their 20s and early 30s, who are planning their pregnancies, are walking into fertility clinics only to discover their egg count is significantly lower than expected for their age. Low ovarian reserve usually doesn't present with any or unnoticeable symptoms. Doctors warn this shift could have serious implications for fertility planning and reproductive health. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Dr Manjunath, deputy medical director at Birla Fertility and IVF, told TOI he sees at least 40 cases a month. "Every alternate patient, in the age group of 20 to 30 years we see now, has a low egg reserve. The number rose exponentially in the last two decades." He explained a woman is born with all the eggs she'll ever have — about 1 to 2 million. By puberty, it drops to 3–4 lakh. And by 30? Just around 70,000. From there, the decline picks up speed. "Now, more young women are now facing egg depletion faster than expected, even when they're years away from planning a pregnancy. While age remains the most significant factor, it is a mix of urban lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, and delayed family planning. The biological clock is set. We can't reset or slow it," he said. Dr Priyanka Das, consultant obstetrician, gynae laparoscopic surgeon & infertility specialist, Altius Hospital, sees about 10 to 15 such cases every month. "Stress, pollution, processed diets, and hormonal disruptors in plastics and cosmetics may all be contributing," she said. The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level is a key marker for egg reserve. A healthy range is between 2 and 4 ng/mL. Anything below 1 is considered critically low. The Antral Follicle Count (AFC)—the number of egg follicles seen on an ultrasound—is also used. A normal AFC ranges between 6–10 follicles per ovary. "When AMH drops below 1, and AFC shows 2 to 5 follicles, we call that severely diminished reserve," said Dr Meghana Nyapathi, cluster head at Milann Fertility Hospital. "We see 30 patients a month who now present with this." This isn't just about getting pregnant. The quality of eggs also declines, increasing the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal issues. Dr Manisha Singh, additional director - gynaecologist & subspecialist in reproductive medicine & surgery at Fortis Hospital, explained, "Only one egg ovulates each month. The rest die unused. And with age or damage from things like smoking or surgeries, the remaining ones may be poor in quality." She added there is an increase in the rise of conditions like endometriosis that lead to cyst formation in the ovary, which can also compromise the egg reserve. Dr Meghana Nyapathi, cluster head - reproductive medicine at Milann Fertility Hospital, said, "Approximately 30% of patients each month present with low ovarian reserve, leading to difficulties in conceiving. Sadly, a poor ovarian reserve is generally not reversible." Precautions: Quit smoking Limit alcohol intake Follow a balanced diet Maintain healthy body weight Manage stress Plan pregnancy before 35
