Infertility is generally tagged as the woman's problem but in reality, men also contribute to the couple's pregnancy in equal measure. In India, almost half of the cases of infertility are related to males. Male infertility can be overwhelming, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most men can have children.

Modern lifestyle changes, medical conditions and environmental factors are increasing infertility cases among Indian men. The good news is that most causes are treatable with timely medical support and lifestyle improvements.

In this blog, we’ll explain what male infertility is, the most common causes, how it is diagnosed and the treatments available in India to help couples achieve parenthood.

Understanding Male Infertility

Male infertility is the inability of a man to conceive a healthy female partner after a duration of at least one year of unfruitful attempts. Semen quality is the foremost quantification of male fertility, which includes:

  • Sperm count: number of sperm in semen.
  • Sperm motility: sperm's capacity to move healthily.
  • Sperm morphology: form and structure of sperm.
  • Semen quantity and quality.

If any or all of them are involved, conception probability decreases. Couples may have an appointment for medical evaluation if pregnancy has not been achieved even after 12 months of consecutive unprotected copulation.

Causes of Male Infertility

1. Lifestyle Factors

Contemporary lifestyle plays significantly in male fertility.

  • Smoking and alcohol consumption: Poorer sperm quality and mobility.
  • Stress: Hormonal imbalance caused due to long-term stress influences the spermatogenesis.
  • Unhealthy diet & obesity: Bad diet decreases testosterone and increases the risk of infertility.
  • Too little or too much exercise: Both are bad for fertility.

2. Illness

Some medical conditions can impact the production of sperm and the operation functionality of sperm.

  • Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) is one of the most common and curable conditions.  
  • Conditions whereby the testosterone and other hormones can also affect sperm production.  
  • Also, some infections, like sexually transmitted infections, mumps or prostatitis, can damage sperm.  

Conditions like retrograde ejaculation can also lead to ejaculation disorders, in which sperm is unable to reach the egg.

3. Work and environmental causes

Pesticide, chemical and radiation exposure spoils the quality of sperm.

Injury from heat exposure (frequent hot tub baths, laptop on lap, working in the heat) lowers sperm counts.

4. Age-Related & Genetic Reasons

Genetic defects (e.g., Klinefelter's syndrome) can ruin sperm production.

Age: A man's fertility naturally decreases after age 40 and impacts sperm quality.

Male Infertility Diagnosis

Diagnosis of male infertility is some easy tests:

  • Medical history & physical exam: to detect lifestyle or health issues.
  • Semen analysis: analyzes sperm count, motility and form.
  • Hormone tests: check testosterone and other hormone levels.
  • Imaging tests: ultrasound to see if there is blockage or varicocele.
  • Genetic tests: if there is a suspicion of inherited problems.

Early diagnosis simplifies treatment and makes it more effective.

Treatment of Male Infertility

1. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle change is the initial step for most men:

  • Healthy diet (zinc, vitamin C and antioxidants rich).
  • Healthy weight.
  • Stopping smoking and alcohol reduction.

Stress management by yoga, meditation or exercise.

2. Medications & Hormonal Therapy

In medications & hormonal therapy physicians will use:

  • Antibiotics for infection.
  • Hormonal medications to regulate testosterone or induce production of sperm.
  • Antioxidant supplements for normal sperm.

3. Surgical Treatments

  • Repairing varicocele: surgery to fix enlarged veins of the scrotum.

  • Sperm retrieval surgeries: in case of sperm absence in semen.

  • Repairing blockages of the vas deferens or reproductive tract.

4. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Fancy medical techniques are used to help couples conceive when conception is not possible naturally:

  • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): sperm deposition in the uterus.
  • IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): egg fertilization with sperm outside the body and then implantation in the uterus.
  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): a single sperm is injected into an egg which is  used in extreme male infertility.
  • Donor sperm: in case of very poor sperm quality.

Male Infertility in the Indian Context

For the first time, awareness regarding male infertility is coming up in India, especially in the urban parts of the country. Social stigma is still a huge barrier to treatment for a lot of men. Historically, the assumption is that infertility is the woman’s problem, but studies have shown that male factors are equally contributory.

The resolution is early intervention and treatment. More and more couples in India are overcoming infertility problems because of the better awareness, improved medical facilities and more available fertility clinics.

Prevention of Male Infertility

While not all causes of male infertility are preventable, there are some ways to reduce the risks:

  • Maintain a balanced and healthy diet consisting of an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
  • Engage in moderate exercise to for good hormone and weight control.
  • Avoid cigarettes, excessive alcohol and drugs.
  • Avoid damage from harmful chemicals and excessive heat.

Have periodic health assessments and do not hesitate to approach a health provider with any health problem even in the early stages.

Conclusion

Male infertility exists more than people are aware of and now the subject is no longer taboo. Lifestyle, illness, genetics and the environment all contribute to it. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the majority of men can be cured of infertility successfully.

From lifestyle modifications and medication to advanced therapy in the shape of IVF and ICSI, today's Indian couples have a gamut of choices to achieve parenthood. It all begins with awareness and the bravery to go for medical assistance.

If you or a near one is facing issues of infertility, recall that you are not alone and you have a solution. Take the consultation and treatment step ahead, because this is what is required to make all the difference towards parenthood.