World IVF Day 2026, observed on July 25, marks a milestone in reproductive medicine while drawing attention to infertility, a condition that affects millions of couples worldwide. It commemorates the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world's first baby born through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in 1978. Decades later, IVF has become a lifeline for many aspiring parents, with more couples seeking fertility treatments than ever before.
But why is this happening? According to Dr Y Divisha Reddy, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Gleneagles Hospital, Fortis Network, Lakdikapool, Hyderabad, the answer lies in a combination of changing lifestyles, delayed parenthood, and growing awareness about fertility.
Time Is A Bigger Factor Than Most Couples Realise
Dr Reddy points out that many couples are surprised to find themselves in a fertility clinic.
"One in six couples walking into fertility clinics today didn't expect to be there. A decade ago, most would have conceived without a second thought. So what changed?"
She explains that age remains one of the biggest reasons. Female fertility begins a gradual decline around the age of 32 and drops more significantly after 37. By the age of 40, the chances of conceiving naturally each month are nearly half of what they are in the late twenties. As more Indian couples choose to marry and have children later in life, many unknowingly enter this phase when fertility has already started declining.
Lifestyle Is Also Playing A Major Role
Age is only one part of the story. Dr Reddy says several lifestyle factors are making conception more challenging than before.
"Age isn't acting alone, though. Chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, disrupting the very hormonal signalling that triggers ovulation."
She adds that poor sleep, sedentary habits and obesity can further affect fertility by disrupting hormones, reducing egg quality and even lowering the chances of IVF success.
PCOS And Endometriosis Are Increasingly Common
Another reason behind the growing demand for IVF is the rising number of women living with conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis.
"Then there's PCOS, no longer a rare diagnosis but a mainstream one."
Dr Reddy notes that Indian studies, including the ICMR-PCOS National Task Force, estimate that PCOS affects anywhere between 7% and over 20% of women of reproductive age. Many remain undiagnosed until they begin trying to conceive.
She also highlights that endometriosis is often dismissed as severe menstrual pain, allowing the condition to silently affect pelvic anatomy and egg quality over time.
Early Evaluation Can Make All The Difference
According to Dr Reddy, many couples seek medical help only after struggling for months or even years.
"The upshot: couples are reaching fertility specialists later than ideal, after months or years of unexplained struggle. But there's a genuinely hopeful side to this story - awareness is catching up fast."
She explains that current guidelines recommend fertility evaluation after six months of trying for women aged 35 and above, and immediately for those over 40 years.