Women in their late 30s and 40s are no longer the only ones who have discussions about fertility in today’s fast-paced society. Young women in their 20s are increasingly dealing with unforeseen difficulties, especially a worrying increase in low ovarian reserve, a disorder that impairs a woman’s capacity to conceive naturally. Early fertility awareness is more important than ever, according to experts, as a mix of lifestyle variables, environmental exposures, and changing societal priorities are responsible for the shift.
“It is surprising and concerning that more young women in their 20s are receiving diagnoses for low ovarian reserve,” says Dr. Priya SP Patil, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Altius Hospital in Rajajinagar, Bangalore.
She emphasizes that stress and lifestyle are not the only contributing variables. “Over time, ovarian function can be affected by early menarche and increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, and processed foods,” she says. Dr. Patil emphasizes the value of early screening using antral follicle scans and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing because poor ovarian reserve frequently shows no symptoms until fertility is impacted.
“Awareness opens doors to timely choices, including egg freezing, giving women the power to plan ahead,” she continues, adding that fertility is no longer solely determined by age.
Wider socioeconomic changes are also linked to the increasing need of early fertility testing. According to Dr. Manisha Singh, Additional Director-Gynecologist & Subspecialist, Reproductive Medicine & Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, this tendency is influenced by health issues, career plans, and changes in lifestyle.
According to Dr. Singh, “delayed childbearing, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and diminished ovarian reserve are often linked to the rising cases of infertility.” Although early detection is now more available because to developments in diagnostic technologies, she points out that societal shifts are also at work. “Fertility issues are becoming more urgent as a result of women’s empowerment and career priorities delaying family planning,” she continues.
She emphasizes that early testing empowers women to take proactive measures, such as storing their eggs if needed, in addition to recognizing potential obstacles. “When faced with a declining egg reserve, it enables women to make an informed decision without delaying their education and career.”
