Dr. Anisha Choudhary
Every year, July 25 is celebrated as World IVF Day, commemorating the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978 — a scientific milestone that brought renewed hope to countless couples struggling with infertility.
Infertility affects about 1 in 6 couples worldwide. In India, it’s estimated that around 27.5 million couples face infertility, and the number is steadily rising due to lifestyle changes, rising maternal age, obesity, stress, pollution, and reproductive health conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Despite this, many couples delay seeking help — often because of stigma, misinformation, or fear.
The journey of infertility can be emotionally and physically exhausting. That’s where IVF — In Vitro Fertilization — comes in. It’s a method where eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body, and a healthy embryo is placed back into the uterus. IVF is not a last resort — in many cases, it’s a timely and effective solution when other treatments fail.
Breaking the Silence Around Infertility-
Infertility is not rare, and it is not a woman’s problem alone — male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40–50% of all cases. But unfortunately, women often bear the emotional burden. We must work as a society to shift the conversation from blame to support.
Early Help Makes a Difference-
If you’ve been trying for over a year without success (or 6 months if you’re over 35), it’s important to consult a fertility specialist. Many cases can be treated without IVF, but timely evaluation is key. Every Journey is unique and success depends on age, health, and many other factors. Our job as doctors is to guide you through the process, honestly and compassionately.
IVF Is Safe — Let’s Bust Some Myths-
One of the biggest barriers to IVF in India is misinformation. Some believe that IVF is unsafe or unnatural. In reality, IVF has been practiced globally for over four decades and is backed by science and stringent safety standards. Birth defects in IVF babies are no more common than in natural pregnancies. It does not “empty” the ovaries or cause cancer — both are common myths with no scientific basis.
World IVF Day is a day to honour the pioneers of reproductive medicine, celebrate the successes achieved, and look forward to future advancements. It is a day to recognize the profound impact of IVF on countless lives, offering hope and the possibility of parenthood to those who once thought it beyond reach. At Tata Main Hospital, we’re committed to making fertility care affordable, ethical, and compassionate. We believe every couple deserves the chance to build a family — with dignity, science, and hope on their side.
This World IVF Day, let’s spread awareness and empathy. Infertility is not the end — it’s the beginning of a journey that, with the right guidance, can lead to new life.
(Author is Specialist, Medical Indoor Services, Tata Main Hospital. Views are personal.)
