3 reasons infertility is growing among Indian expats

The number of childless couples is on the rise worldwide, and in the case of Indian expatriates the number of impotent men and women has been growing at an alarming rate due to pollution, obesity and work-related stress among others, according to an Indian doctor.

“Pollution is the main reason for growing incidence of infertility worldwide. Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides affect the quality of food that we eat and the chemicals affect the reproductive mechanism. Pollution also causes other diseases such as cancer and diabetics,” said Professor Dr C Mohammed Ashraf, Chairman and Managing Director, Craft Hospital and Research Centre, Kerala, India. He has been instrumental in delivering 26,000 babies to childless couples after treatment and counseling. Dr Ashraf in co-ordination with Aster Clinics, Al Taif Medical Centre and Medcare Clinic Dubai offers his services in the UAE. 

An Indian gynecologist and specialist doctor practising in India and UAE, also said the number of NRI couples approaching him for infertility treatment has been increasing. And one of the main reasons is the practical difficulties that they face. Treatment for impotency is expensive and also most expats do not get adequate medical leave, the doctor told Darshana TV.

Similarly, goldsmiths, chefs, those working at petrol stations and oil field employees and those exposed to heat furnaces and radiation can also face infertility issues. For instance, a  study conducted among traffic policemen in Brazil found their productivity was considerably affected while working and exposed to heavy traffic. 

According to World Health Organisation studies, one in every four couples in the developing world suffer from infertility problems. A 2010 statistics reveal  an estimated 48.5 million couples worldwide were unable to have a child in five years.

Dr Ashraf said, “The main reason is consuming polluted food and drinks, excessive use of pesticides in fruits and vegetable. Fertility rate is lowest in human beings. There is only 18 per cent possibility of a woman conceiving after regular engagement. This is greatly reduced in cases where expats get to spend less time together.”

 “Also, high stress levels apart from lifestyle diseases and obesity are other factors that contribute to infertility. In the case of obese women, egg production would be less and also chances of abortion are more,” said Dr Ashraf.

Susan Korath, an Indian psychologist from Specter Consultants in Dubai, said she advises childless couples to take off from work and de-stress while trying for babies.

“Infertility affects couples’ psychological health. The pressure from peer groups and family can prove counter-productive,’ she added.

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