Dr Anjali Malpani interviewed in Mid-Day on problem of rising infertility in Mumbai
You moved to Mumbai to chase your dreams, but now, starting a family feels like a distant hope slipping through your fingers. If you are one of the thousands of couples in this bustling city quietly struggling with infertility, you are not alone. Behind the city lights and skyscrapers, more and more Mumbaikars are finding that conceiving a child is no longer as simple as it once seemed. The latest numbers are hard to ignore: over 32,000 people in Mumbai have turned to IVF in just the last five years. This is not just a statistic; it is the lived reality of couples who never thought they would need help to become parents.
Infertility in Mumbai: More Common Than You Think
Mumbai is a city of relentless energy, ambition, and change. But along with its fast pace comes stress, long working hours, pollution, and lifestyle shifts that few of us can escape. These changes are now showing up in the most personal space: our ability to have children.
As revealed by data obtained through the RTI Act, since 2012, over 32,000 Mumbai residents have sought IVF treatment. The reasons are varied: some couples have unexplained infertility, others face specific issues like low sperm count, poor egg quality, PCOS, or blocked fallopian tubes. For some, the problem lies with stress, late nights, skipped meals, and the silent pressure to "just relax and it will happen."
Number of Mumbaikars who opted for IVF between 2012 and 2016.
If you are reading this, you might recognize the sinking feeling in your stomach after another negative pregnancy test, or the uneasy silence at family gatherings when people ask about "good news." You are not being singled out by fate. This is a city-wide challenge, and there is hope.
Read more in the Mid-Day interview with Dr Anjali Malpani.
Facing the Emotional Struggles of Infertility
The figures may be large, but what hurts is deeply personal. Each story of infertility is filled with hope, heartbreak, and sometimes, a sense of isolation. Patients at Malpani Infertility Clinic often share how they felt "broken" or "left behind" as friends and relatives built their families. There is the unspoken shame, the anxiety before every test, and the constant replaying of “What are we doing wrong?”
Even the strongest couples feel lost after repeated IVF failures. You are not failing; you are fighting for your family.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially after unsuccessful cycles or negative results. Many patients come to us after trying elsewhere, carrying emotional scars from previous disappointments. What most people will not tell you is that it is not just about the medical treatment. Infertility is a test of your mental strength, your relationship, and your ability to keep believing. We see women and men wrestling with sadness, anger, guilt, and even blaming themselves or each other. It is okay to feel these things. What matters is having the right support and the right information to move forward.
Why Are More People Turning to IVF?
IVF is not a quick fix, but for many couples, it offers a real chance at parenthood when other options have failed. Modern lifestyles in Mumbai contribute to the rise in infertility. Long hours at work, high stress, late marriages, environmental pollution, and even dietary changes can affect fertility in both women and men.
Doctors, including those at Malpani Infertility Clinic, are seeing a steady increase in couples needing advanced fertility treatments. The good news: the science of IVF has improved dramatically. Treatments are more effective, and clinics like ours invest in world-class labs and personalized protocols. But successful IVF is about more than just the right injections or technology. It is about understanding your unique situation, adjusting protocols as needed, and never treating you like "just another case."
What Most Clinics Will Not Tell You
Here is the truth: not every IVF cycle will work the first time. While the success rate for women under 35 can be as high as 35 percent per cycle, each patient’s journey is different. Age, egg quality, sperm health, uterine conditions, and underlying issues like PCOS or endometriosis all play a role. Sometimes, couples need to change their treatment protocol, adjust medication dosages, or even consider interventions like pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) or donor eggs.
At Malpani Infertility Clinic, we believe you deserve honest guidance, not false promises. We encourage patients to ask every question, voice every fear, and work with us to make decisions that fit their lives and values. Our doctors spend time truly listening, explaining the science in simple language, and helping you set realistic expectations. You will never be rushed or made to feel like you are just a number.
- Personalized treatment plans for each couple
- Full explanation of tests and next steps
- Mental and emotional support throughout the process
- Access to support groups and counseling
- No "one size fits all" approach
You are not to blame for your struggles. The only thing you can control is how you respond, and who you trust to guide you.
Taking the Next Step: Finding the Right Partner for Your Journey
If you are considering IVF or simply want to know your options, remember: you do not have to figure this out alone. Choosing the right clinic and doctor is as important as the treatment itself. Look for a place where you feel respected, where your concerns are heard, and where the science matches the care. Malpani Infertility Clinic has helped thousands of couples from Mumbai and beyond find answers, hope, and, for many, the child they dreamed of.
Whether you are just starting to ask questions, or you have been on this road for years, our team is committed to walking with you. We do not offer magic solutions or empty guarantees. What we promise is honest advice, world-class care, and the compassion to see you as a person, not just a patient.
If you are unsure about your next steps or need someone to talk to about your fertility concerns, you can speak to an expert fertility advisor here. You deserve answers and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common is infertility in Mumbai?
A: Infertility is increasingly common, with over 32,000 people in Mumbai seeking IVF between 2012 and 2016. This reflects changing lifestyles, stress, and medical factors affecting both men and women.
Q: What causes infertility for couples in Mumbai?
A: Common causes include stress, poor egg quality, low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, blocked tubes, and environmental factors. Sometimes, no clear cause is found.
Q: Is IVF my only option if I cannot conceive naturally?
A: Not always. Depending on your diagnosis, other treatments like medication, lifestyle changes, or minor procedures may work. IVF is recommended when simpler options have not succeeded or are not suitable.
Q: How many IVF cycles does it usually take to get pregnant?
A: Some couples succeed on the first try, but many need multiple cycles. The cumulative success rate can reach up to 80 percent after four cycles, especially with personalized protocols.
Q: What kind of support does Malpani Infertility Clinic provide?
A: We offer personalized treatment, thorough counseling, emotional support, and honest advice at every step. Our team takes time to explain your options and answer your questions.
Q: Can lifestyle changes help improve fertility?
A: Yes, factors like reducing stress, eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep can improve fertility for some couples. However, some cases may need medical intervention.
Q: How do I start my fertility journey at Malpani Infertility Clinic?
A: You can schedule a consultation to discuss your situation, explore testing and treatment options, and get straightforward guidance. Chat with our expert now.