Surplus money in the pocket, everything within easy reach, ability to purchase anytime, enjoying only the best things in life, globe trotting- this is the picture of an Information Technology professional who is envied by all, though secretly.

True, lower and middle class youth have been able to fulfil lots of their dreams working in IT industries. Many reach enviable positions in the industry and enjoy the privileges of life which are beyond reach of majority of the others. At least this is what many people think to be true.

But, the reality is something different. Many are not aware of the trial and tribulations these people undergo in their life achieving success in the professional front. Everything is not as colourful as it appears to be. Prolonged working hours, highly demanding skilled work, frequent travelling, job insecurity etc., are likely to take a toll on them causing severe mental and physical strain to these professional workers.

If both husband and wife are working, their problems are more acute. Tensions, martial problems leading to sexual problems which may lead to reproductive problems and mental ill health are destroying their personal lives. Many of the cases in family courts seeking divorce are from such professionals due to sexual and reproductive problems developed because of work-related tensions. The problems are similar for workers in other IT related industries such as, BPOs, call centres etc.

Sexual and reproductive problems among IT professionals can be identified as follows:

Sexual problems
Infrequent intercourse
Non-consummation of marriage
Dyspareunea
Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Anejaculation and retarded ejaculation
Disturbed interpersonal relationship
Martial disharmony
Divorce
Promiscuity, extra-martial relationships
Misuse of technology- web camera, cell-phone camera, pornography
Reproductive Problems
Menstrual disturbances
Obesity
Ovulation disturbance
Infertility
Sperm count and motility problems
Hormone disturbances
Psychosomatic problems
Pregnancy related problems, eg, incidence of abortion.
Premature deliveries
Late age pregnancies
Diabetes mellitus, hypertension complicating pregnancies.

Computer Professionals (CP) and Sexual Dysfunction

In hi-fi jobs, though there is sufficient money, due to prolonged working hours, odd hours and night shifts, the sexual desire is getting decreased since their natural biological cycle or sleep pattern gets disturbed. They generally suffer from ‘sleep debt’, drowsiness, stress leading to hypertension, diabetes, etc.

Husband and wife living apart, unable to spend time together for long periods, forced intercourse at times will also be responsible for sexual dysfunctions. In cases of infertility, the pressure to have intercourse at the time of ovulation may cause erectile dysfunction. If the wife is not working, she may get frustrated, depressed, irritable while waiting for her husband till late night and not getting suitable attention.

Mutual body needs, thus remain unfulfilled. Menstrual Disturbances Heavy work and prolonged hours of work, physical and mental strain, changing biological cycle in the body, frequent travel cause hormonal disturbances, disturbed ovulation leading to menstrual disturbance like amenorrhoea, menorhagia, etc.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

The incidence of PCOD is increasing in general and in a higher rate among hi flung job people in particular. Here, the ovaries will be enlarged with thick white capsule, multiple cysts inside. The hormone production gets disturbed leading to increased production of testosterone and insulin resistance. This is ultimately responsible for anovulation, obesity and weight gain, hirsuitism and menstrual disturbances.

Fertility

Fertility potential of an individual depends on physical and mental health, hormone status and functioning of reproductive organs. This can get disturbed because of the stress anovulation, PCOD, menstrual disturbance, reduced or inadequate sexual activity. In men, stress, disturbed biological clock, environmental pollution are causing disturbances in sperm count and motility.

Hence, infertility rates among techies are high and 40 percent of them visit infertility clinics for treatments. Since costly treatment options are available for infertility and they are affordable to these techie’s, the incidence of artificial insemination, assisted conception techniques are more among them.

Computers and Pregnancy

If infertility is one side of the story, women may have to face certain problems after conception also. They can have postural problems, backache, leg pain etc. It is difficult to take leave and have bed rest in cases of high risk pregnancies or in bleeding cases. Stress, diabetes mellitus and hypertension can also lead to toxemia, premature deliveries, etc.

Metrosexual

This word has been coined to describe the new breed of youngsters with fat pay packet jobs, who are consumer oriented, purchasing all leading world famous branded items and having lavish lifestyles. They spend their time in pubs and bars during weekends. They succumb easily to smoking, consuming alcohol, having pre-martial and extramartial affairs.

All this doesn’t mean that all computer professionals are suffering, in some way or the other. There are many people who can keep a balance between work and family. Things have become complicated because of the break-up of joint families and increasing nuclear families.

Suggestions to balance work and marital life

Pre-martial counselling

Reserve sometime for personal life

Don’t neglect personal health and sexual health

Consulting Specialist for sexual and marital problems.

Don’t postpone pregnancies to a late age

Take help from family members and other elders

Take help of sexologists, family and marriage counsellors, psychiatrists

Remember 5 ‘T’s to maintain cordial relationship between husband and wife - Touch, Talk, Togetherness, Trust and Time

Allowing to work from home.

Allowing special leave during marriage, pregnancy and child birth

Learning life skills, relaxation techniques

Planning holidays together

Time management

Attention to proper food, general health, exercises and hobbies.