REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

Fertility disorders refer to conditions that impair the ability of individuals or couples to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. These disorders can affect both men and women and may be caused by a wide range of factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, genetic issues or lifestyle and environmental influences. In many cases, fertility disorders are multifactorial, involving both partners.

India faces rising fertility related issues, affecting millions of couples, driven by lifestyle problems (stress, diet, pollution, late parenthood), increased health conditions like PCOS and environmental factors, impacting both men (sperm quality) and women (ovulation/tubes) significantly.

In women, common causes include ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, tubal blockage and uterine abnormalities. In men, infertility may arise from low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal deficiencies, testicular disorders or obstructive issues.

While medical factors such as hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes and delayed marriages contribute to rising fertility burden, the impact extends far beyond clinical dimensions. Age remains a major determinant of fertility, with natural declines in egg quality and sperm DNA integrity contributing to reduced success rates.

Hormonal evaluation plays a central role in diagnosing fertility-related disorders. Accurate diagnosis of reproductive markers is essential, as addressing modifiable risks and initiating appropriate therapy can significantly improve reproductive outcomes.

The following are key laboratory markers used to evaluate and diagnose reproductive disorders:

•    LH  
 
•    FSH

•    HCG
  
•    β-HCG
     
•    Prolactin

•    Progesterone

•    Testosterone

•    E2 

•    DHEA-S

•    SHBG