Infertility in India: Levels, Trends, Determinants and Consequences

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the levels, trends, determinants and consequences of infertility in India using data from the Third National Family Health Survey. The study finds that 2.3 per cent of the women in India are infertile. The prevalence of infertility is highest in the southern region and lowest in the northern region. The variation across the states shows that the prevalence of infertility is highest in Goa followed by Andhra Pradesh. Infertility rates are also increasing in India. Biological and life style related factors, rather than the socio-economic factors, seem to determine the infertility levels. The impact of infertility on the woman’s life is also substantial. Therefore, infertility can definitely be considered an important public health issue with wide social implications.