Few experiences are as deeply personal or as publicly scrutinized as the inability to have a child in a society where family lineage is highly valued.
Before reproductive medicine became accessible in Nagaland, infertility was commonly perceived as a social issue rather than a medical condition. Couples experiencing infertility frequently faced emotional distress, stigma and an unwarranted sense of personal failure.
It is time we changed that narrative.
World IVF Day commemorates one of the most transformative milestones in modern medicine, the birth of the world’s first baby conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in July 25th, 1978. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that infertility is neither a curse, a moral failing nor divine retribution. It is a recognized medical condition that should be approached through accurate diagnosis, timely treatment and, above all with empathy.
Our forefathers lived in close harmony with nature. Their diets were largely unprocessed, physical activity was part of their everyday life, and marriages often occurred early. Today, however, our society is witnessing a profound epidemiological transition. Unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, substance abuse, environmental pollutants, poor sleep, chronic psychological stress and delayed parenthood have collectively influenced fertility. Although they do not account for every case of infertility, these factors have become important contributors to reproductive health challenges, in both men and women.
Equally important is recognizing that infertility is not solely a woman’s problem. Male factors are responsible for nearly half of all cases, yet women continue to bear most of the blame. Until this misconception is addressed, many couples will continue to seek help later than they should.
Traditional healing practices remain an important part of Naga society. Yet, in everyday clinical practice, we see couples whose fertility stems from biological disorders that no amount of prayer or traditional remedies can reverse. Whether the cause lies in impaired sperm production, tubal disease, endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, diminished ovarian reserve or genetic abnormalities, these conditions require evidence-based treatment. Respect for cultural beliefs should never come at the expense of appropriate medical intervention.
Working in IVF, one quickly realizes how frequently assisted reproduction is misunderstood. IVF does not create life artificially; it facilitates a natural biological process when disease renders spontaneous conception unlikely or impossible.
Perhaps the greatest lesson infertility teaches us is humility. Some of the most resilient couples we encounter carry burdens invisible to the outside world. A person’s dignity should never be determined by their fertility, nor should parenthood be regarded as the sole measure of fulfilment.
Infertility is not a personal failure. It is a recognized medical condition that deserves understanding, not myths or misconceptions.
The greatest achievement of reproductive medicine is not merely scientific progress but restoring hope where it was once lost. Infertility does not define a person’s worth or standing within a family. As we celebrate World IVF Day, let compassion, not stigma, be our guiding principle.
Naghophukali Swu
Embryologist
Monday, August 17, 2026