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Why Global Fertility is Falling: 6 Reasons Behind Declining Birth Rates Explained | health news

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According to a recent Lancet study, global fertility rates have declined significantly. Increasing infertility is a global concern, which can affect people’s relationships and mental health. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Sandeep Talwar, Fertility Expert, Nova IVF Fertility, Vasant Vihar, shares, “Decreasing fertility rate is a global concern today. There is a significant rise in infertility rates across India and a growing trend of delayed parenthood. Population stability is maintained. To keep up, a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.1 children per woman is needed, known as the replacement level. When the fertility rate falls below this threshold, the population begins to decline. In India, the replacement level currently stands at 2.1. A recent Lancet report Accordingly, the Indian fertility rate is projected to decline to 1.29 by 2050 and 1.04 by 2100.” So what is the reason for the declining fertility rate? Let’s check out what the experts have to say.

Six Reasons for Falling Fertility Rate

Dr. Sandeep Talwar says there are various factors that contribute to fertility decline. He listed the most common ones below:

1. Delaying Parenthood: Many individuals and couples are choosing to delay parenthood to meet their personal and professional obligations. This delay can lead to reproductive complications as women’s fertility declines with age.

2. Industrialization: Urbanization and industrialization have fueled inflation and led to a fast-paced lifestyle. Today, individuals are working to strengthen their financial security before considering expanding their family. Studies have shown significant declines in reproductive health within industrialized regions, due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that disrupt a person’s hormonal balance and are found in everyday items such as dishwashers, floor cleaners, water bottles, food packaging, electronic devices, personal care products, cleaning products supplies and many other common everyday items. Additionally, exposure to occupational hazards such as harmful chemicals, PCBs and DDT, is said to adversely affect fertility.

3. Stress: Stress is an inevitable aspect of contemporary living and significantly affects one’s fertility rate. Furthermore, the diagnosis of infertility and the various treatments aimed at overcoming it can themselves become a source of stress. Therefore, it is important for everyone, regardless of their fertility timeline, to prioritize comprehensive health and wellness.

Also Read: Sidhu Musewala’s mother, 58, gives birth: Planning to conceive after 50? The doctor says this

4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate nutrition, stress and exposure to environmental toxins are among the top contributing factors affecting one’s fertility rate. These factors have the potential to disrupt hormone levels and affect fertility, thereby affecting the ability to conceive.

5. Digitization: Recent research indicates that Wi-Fi signals emitted by cell phones stored in pants pockets have a detrimental effect on sperm motility and quality. Additionally, the blue light emitted by smartphones disrupts the natural production of melatonin in our body. Melatonin plays an important role in protecting eggs and sperm from heat-induced oxidative stress, which ultimately reduces sperm production.

6. Cultural and Religious Changes: Changes in family size and cultural and religious attitudes toward parenthood have affected fertility rates. Today, there may be a shift towards smaller families and nuclear families are common in urban areas.

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