In Conversation With Dr. Durga G Rao, Co-Founder & Medical Director - Oasis Fertility.

1. How do you see the fertility scenario in India?

There has been a tremendous shift in terms of ideologies, perspectives and professional aspirations in the last 30 years. As a result, fertility has taken a back seat. Many young men and women take time to settle down which has drastically pushed their parenthood dreams beyond the age of 30 or 40. Age can have a great impact on a woman’s fertility potential and that’s the reason we see a rise in infertility these days. But the awareness of the possibilities of having a biological child through high-end scientific technologies has still not yet penetrated the large section of people.

2. How can IVF cost come down and be affordable for many couples?

The kind of technology and equipment that is used in the case of IVF is the reason for the slightly expensive cost. Countries like Israel provide free IVF treatment for up to 2 take-home babies for any woman till the age of 45. Though we cannot expect such a scenario in a very huge country like India, we optimize each and every process in IVF that results in increased success rates thereby reducing the number of IVF cycles one has to undergo. We also offer EMI options that help couples undergo the treatment at their convenience.

3. There is a rapid growth of IVF centres. Is there enough expertise to accommodate all the clinics?

Ethics and transparency form the backbone of fertility treatments. But the rate at which fertility centres are mushrooming in India has put the onus on the couples to select the right centre.

4. What are the new developments in fertility treatments?

Many advancements have come up in fertility treatments that have helped us increase IVF success rates. An ERA is one such advanced technology that identifies the right time when an embryo can be implanted into a woman’s uterus which in turn can increase the success rate. Embryoscope is another technique by which embryos are continuously monitored by a built-in camera in an incubator. This eliminates the procedure of removal of the embryo from the incubator at regular intervals to check its growth. PGT helps an embryologist to identify healthy embryos without any chromosomal abnormalities and this is especially for couples who have a genetic disease. Through PGT, the passing of genetic disorders from the parent to the child is prevented.

5. Have people started accepting IVF treatments?

More than 8 million babies have been born worldwide since 1978 after the first test-tube baby. People have a lot of fear and apprehensions regarding IVF treatment and outcomes. We are trying all means to bring awareness about IVF treatment among the public.

6. Do you think AI can have a great impact on fertility treatment?

AI can help us in predicting the success rates of fertility treatment and also enable us to create personalized treatment profiles for various couples based on data science and algorithms.

7. What do you think is the major reason for increasing infertility in India?

Our lifestyles have undergone a tremendous change right from the food we consume, the environment we live in, the work we do and the time we sleep. Obesity, smoking, stress, junk foods, lack of sleep, continuous use of gadgets, etc. impact fertility to a great extent.

8. What do you wish to tell the younger generation about fertility?

Career aspirations and commitments are important, I do understand. But the youngsters should also know the fact that fertility decreases with age. It is always better to conceive by 30. Importantly, there are also various options of egg, embryo, sperm freezing that can help the couples achieve their parenthood dream at a time suitable to them if they take the necessary precaution of freezing their eggs or sperm in time.

9. Is secondary infertility becoming a big issue in India?

Many are unable to conceive the second time. But the couples don’t realize that there are conditions contributing to their subfertility and would need investigation. They in fact postpone treatment which in turn makes outcomes poorer. Age, PCOS, endometriosis are some of the factors that lead to secondary infertility.