Over the past few years, there has been a marked rise in infertility among couples, and one of the major causes identified is the shift towards sedentary lifestyle.
According to fertility experts, the sedentary lifestyle / modern routine—marked by irregular sleep, high stress, lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, and excessive dependence on technology—is taking a serious toll not just on overall health but also on reproductive function.
The pressures of a fast-paced, competitive world have left many in the younger generation with little time to focus on their well-being.
This neglect has given rise to a host of fertility-related complications. In women, prolonged stress is disrupting hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and interference with ovulation.
Men are facing their own set of challenges, with increasing reports of low sperm counts and declining sperm quality.
Sedentary Lifestyle Worsening Situation
Lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, high intake of junk food, and obesity are further worsening the situation.
“Medical intervention alone is not sufficient to tackle infertility,” said Dr. Narahari Malgaonkar, Senior Infertility Specialist at Progenesis Fertility Center. “A healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management—is equally crucial.”
Dr. Malgaonkar also highlighted a few simple yet effective lifestyle changes that can support fertility. These include engaging in daily physical activity, limiting screen time on mobile devices and laptops, and reducing intake of sugar and processed foods.
He pointed out that infertility has moved beyond being just a medical problem. “It has now become a social and psychological issue,” he noted.
“Sedentary lifestyle related causes are responsible for infertility in about 70 per cent of couples seeking treatment. This trend is particularly evident among professionals working in IT, corporate, and marketing sectors.”
