An increasing number of young women across urban India are asking a troubling question:“I look perfectly healthy, so why can’t I get pregnant?”Fertility specialists say this confusion stems from a widespread misconception that outward fitness and a balanced lifestyle automatically translate to reproductive health.
According to Dr Rashmika Gandhi, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon Sector 14, infertility is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Medically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under 35, and after six months for those above 35. Globally, nearly one in six couples face fertility challenges, many without obvious warning signs.
Successful conception requires a delicate balance of biological processes, including regular ovulation, healthy fallopian tubes, good egg and sperm quality, fertilisation, and proper implantation in the uterus. Even a minor disruption at any stage can prevent pregnancy, often without causing pain or visible symptoms.
Dr Gandhi highlights several “silent” conditions that commonly affect fertility. Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which impacts up to 13 percent of reproductive-aged women, can interfere with ovulation. Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, may impair fertility even in the absence of severe pain. Structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities can also go undetected unless investigated.
In some cases, couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility, where standard tests show no clear cause. This does not mean treatment options are limited, but rather that subtle issues related to egg quality, fertilisation, or implantation may be involved.
Experts stress that early medical consultation is crucial. Seeking timely evaluation allows for appropriate interventions, whether through lifestyle adjustments, medical treatment, or assisted reproductive techniques. As women increasingly delay motherhood due to career and lifestyle factors, awareness and proactive fertility care can significantly improve outcomes.
