Rising Infertility and Childlessness in India: Socio Demographic Correlates and Treatment Seeking Behaviour

Globally, approximately 50 to 80 million people facing infertility problem. It is also an emerging heath issue in developing country. This study highlights the extent of infertility and treatment seeking behaviour among currently married women in India using large scale survey data (DLHS-3). The study reveals that 8.3 % currently married suffering any infertility problem and most of them are secondary infertile (5.75%). About 76 % infertile women faced problem during their first pregnancy. Result indicates that 80 % of infertile women sought any treatment but a considerable proportion (33 %) received non allopathic and traditional treatment due to expensive modern treatment and lack of awareness. The study presents evidence that allopathic or modern treatment received is higher for rich women than poor. The study incorporates some policy issues in order to improve the exiting service and quality of care for the infertile couple.