Infertility is interpreted as a disease that
occurs due to an abnormal functioning of either female or a reproductive
system. According to National Survey of Family, Growth CDC for 2006 to 2010 1
in 8 couples reported having problems conceiving. Survey by Center of Disease
Control shows that the percentage of married infertile females in the age group
15 to 44 is about 6 percent. Furthermore, the study highlights that females in
the age group 15 – 44 who never used any infertility services is approximately
7.4 million.
Infertility;
A Growing Problem
Over the past few decades’
industry experts have been alarming us against population explosion. However,
now it seems as if the tables have turned in many regions including Europe.
True, the population growth in the region has come to halt. 1 in 6 couples in
the region faces difficulty conceiving. Thus, the count of couples seeking
medical assistance has increased dramatically. Several studies reveal that male
factors now account for over 30 percent of the fertility issues. This is
somewhat equivalent as female factors. Moreover, the rest 40 percent of
infertility cases are due to the blend of both, or probably something that has
not been identified so far – an unexplained infertility problem. Apart from
this, the sperm counts in British male have dramatically dropped by half over
the past 60 years. Research analysts at Allied Market Research blame this drop
on sudden rise in environmental chemicals. These toxins have weakened oestrogen
influence like DDT.
IVF Services
Answers Fertility Problems in Developing Countries
For millions of married couples
across the globe, inability to conceive is definitely a personal tragedy. There
are over 185 million couples in developing nations alone who encounter such
problems. The infertility differs considerably from one country to another. In
worst affected areas, more than 20 percent of couples are incapable of having
children. On the other hand, the infertility problem in these nations is mainly
due to the damage caused by infections
in the reproductive tract such as
gonorrhea as well as chlamydial infection.
Status of
IVF Services in Different Regions
Countries in Asia Pacific region
such as India have a huge – stigma associated with childlessness. Those couples
who can avail medical assistance are more than willing to travel great lengths
to get treatment for infertility. Anjali Widge a professional at the famous
Population Council, in New Delhi revealed that there were close to 60 ART
centers in the country by 1999. All of
these centers were in private sector.
Besides this, many countries
located in the Middle East have given a nod to artificial insemination by using
husband’s sperm. But, the technique that considers gametes from outside a
married couple is not used. Another challenge that has delayed the
establishment of IVF services was mainly their cost. Many of the centers are
located in the private sectors and the cost of the treatment is relatively high
considering the average income of a patient.
The idea of artificial
insemination, gamete donation as well as IVF services are accepted in the Sub –
Saharan Africa. First baby as a result of in vitro fertilization was born in
West Africa. The baby was delivered in 1989 at the famous Lagos University
Teaching Hospital. By the end of 2001, the region saw over 8 assisted conception
centers conducting IVF services in Africa. Soon numerous centers providing
artificial insemination opened up in the region.
Eyeing the major developments in
the sector Allied Market Research has published a market research report titled
“World In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Services Market - Opportunities andForecasts, 2014 – 2021.” As per the report the industry is estimated to
generate a revenue of 11.3 billion by 2021. Research analysts conducting the
study further reveal that market would register a CAGR of 10.8 percent between
2015 to 2021. There are clear indications that demand for IVF services in Asia
– Pacific are on the rise. Industry is ready to grow at CAGR 13.3 percent in
Asia -Pacific by 2021. Additionally, sector in North America is likely to
garner a revenue of about $3.6 billion by the same year. Stakeholders looking
for relevant data on the major market drivers, opportunities, region -wise
performance and adoption rate would find the report worth their time and
investment.
