Apr 20: India is seeing a sharp rise in liver diseases, especially fatty liver, due to changing lifestyles, poor diets, and lack of exercise. What was once considered a mild health issue is now becoming a serious concern. Doctors say the problem is not just limited to the liver, as it is affecting both male and female fertility.
From irregular periods in women to falling sperm counts in men, experts are linking many reproductive problems to poor liver health. Experts say that with nearly 1 in 3 adults affected by fatty liver, this silent disease is now emerging as an important but often ignored cause behind infertility in India.
Rising liver disease cases
Doctors say the increase in liver problems is mainly due to unhealthy lifestyles, less physical activity, stress, and junk food habits.
Dr. Saurabh Singhal, Senior Consultant & Director, Centre for Liver-GI Diseases and Transplantation (CLDT) says,
“We are seeing a big increase in fatty liver cases, even in younger people in their late 20s and 30s. Earlier it was mostly seen in older patients, but now due to poor lifestyle and diet habits, it is becoming very common in the young population also in India.”
Dr Amit Miglani Director & HOD, Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad adds,
“Almost every second patient we see has some degree of fatty liver. Many people do not even know they have it because it shows very few symptoms in the early stage. That is why it is called a silent disease.”
Impact on women’s fertility
In India, around 8% of women face infertility, and doctors are now seeing a strong link between fatty liver and difficulty in conceiving. The problem is more common in women with PCOS.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynecologist & IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals Delhi & Chandigarh a female fertility specialist, explains,
“In women, fatty liver is closely linked with hormonal imbalance. We are seeing more patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and irregular periods where fatty liver is also present. This affects ovulation and makes it difficult to conceive.”
Doctors say fatty liver affects how the body handles insulin and hormones, which are very important for regular periods and pregnancy. Experts also point out that PCOS and fatty liver together are becoming a common problem, especially due to sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits.
Impact on male fertility
Infertility is not only a women’s issue. In India, 30-40% of infertility cases are linked to men, and doctors say cases are rising.
Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Head of Urology and, Director, VNA Hospital, says,
“In men, liver health directly affects hormones like testosterone. Fatty liver, along with obesity, is leading to low sperm count and poor sperm quality. Many young men are now facing fertility issues because of this.”
Studies show that sperm count in Indian men has dropped sharply over the last few decades, which is a growing concern. Doctors say liver problems can also increase body stress, which further damages sperm health.
Doctors warn that this problem is no longer limited to big cities. It is now spreading to smaller towns due to similar lifestyle changes.
Dr Pavan Hanchanale, Consultant – Hepatoloy and Liver Transplant Physician, Jupiter Hospital, Pune says,
“Liver disease is becoming a common lifestyle problem in India. The worrying part is that people realise it very late. By that time, it may already be affecting other systems in the body, including fertility. Like we all do regular preventative health checks every year, everyone should also have liver health evaluation with Hepatologist once year, especially at-risk people like obesity, diabetes, altered liver parameters in blood test, fatty liver, hepatitis or cirrhosis in family members.”
Dr Vineet said that fertility treatment should not focus only on reproductive organs. Liver health and overall metabolic health also need to be checked early.
DrSinghal added that awareness is very important. “Simple steps like healthy food, regular exercise, weight control, and early check-ups can help prevent liver disease.”
