Question : INFERTILITY REPRODUCTIVE ILLNESS

(a) whether certain studies have revealed drastic increase in infertility/ reproductive illness among Indians, if so, the details thereof along with reaction of the Government thereto and steps being taken by the Government to check the said problem;

(b) whether as per some reports, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Endometriosis and Fibroids conditions associated with infertility are increasingly affecting women/ girls even in their teens, if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor along with the remedial measures being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has consulted any Committee to suggest measures for improving the health profile of women in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the recomme- ndations/suggestions made by the said Committee and the follow up action taken/being taken by the Government thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that according to National Family Health Survey-2(NFHS-2) (2005-06), only 2 percent of married women aged between 45-49 have never given birth.NFHS-3 (2007-08) data indicates an overall prevalence of 8.2% of infertility. The highest prevalence was reported from Goa at 14.2 percent. Previous NFHS surveys have not reported any data on infertility.

To study the prevalence of infertility in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research conducted a community based survey between 2004-2007 in 13 States of the country. A total number of 37,570 married women in reproductive age group were selected from these states in India. Out of 37,570 women enrolled in the study, 11047 (29.4%) were from urban area and 26523 (70.60%) were from rural area that matches with our national scenario.

The data indicated that the average prevalence of primary infertility (couples who are unable to have any children) was found to be 4.0% from urban areas and 3.7% i.e. from rural area. Though there was no significant difference observed between the prevalence of infertility of urban area and rural area, however, the prevalence of infertility in urban area varied from 0.7% to 10.2% and from 1.2% to 10.2% in rural area.

(b): Studies conducted in different parts of India have shown a prevalence of 3-10% of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS).Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) has also informed that, increased prevalence of obesity, especially central obesity increases the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance which is closely linked to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic Ovarian Disease/ syndrome, Endometriosis and Fibroids are known to be associated with infertility. However, no specific data regarding the increase in incidence of these diseases in teenage girls is available.

Remedial measures in this regard would be life style changes, active participation in physical activities/games/Yoga and diet modifications by adolescent girls.

(c): No.

(d): Not applicable in view of (c) above.