infertility Affecting approximately 186 million people worldwide, it is often considered primarily a women’s issue. However, it is important to understand that approximately half of infertility cases implicate male partners, highlighting an important aspect of reproductive health that requires greater attention and understanding. According to Dr Sheetal Jindal, senior consultant and IVF-PGT specialist at Jindal IVF, more than 12 to 18 million couples are diagnosed with infertility in India every year.

Despite the significant presence of male factor infertilityMany men remain hesitant in seeking help. Dr. Jindal explains that social stigma around reproductive health not only perpetuates silence but also obscures the true scope of male infertility. As a result, the actual number of men facing these challenges is likely to be much higher than the reported figures. This silence can prevent men from accessing the help and treatment they need, increasing the emotional and psychological impact of infertility.

Dr. Jindal says that sperm quality is an important factor in influencing the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Abnormal characteristics of sperm – such as low concentration, low motility and irregular morphology – can significantly hinder the chances of successful conception. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm lead to decreased sperm quality, with research showing that 40% to 88% of sperm from men with infertility exhibit high levels of ROS. This oxidative stress causes cellular damage, impairing critical sperm functions, including maturation and acrosome reaction, which are essential for effective fertilization.

Dr. Jindal says decreased sperm count, motility or abnormal morphology can often be addressed through medical or surgical intervention, allowing about 50% of affected men to be successfully treated.

Male infertility is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors. Hormonal imbalance, especially low testosterone levels, can seriously affect sperm production and overall fertility. Conditions such as varicocele – enlarged veins within the scrotum – can restrict blood flow and affect testicular function, further reducing sperm production. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and certain infections contribute to hormonal dysregulation and subsequent reproductive challenges.

lifestyle choices Reproductive health is also significantly affected. Dr. Jindal emphasizes that factors like obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use can disrupt hormone levels and impair sperm quality. Environmental influences, including exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and heavy metals, contribute to male infertility by disrupting hormone signaling and normal sperm development.

The increasing prevalence of male infertility, which has increased by 76.9% since 1990, reinforces the urgent need to confront this health challenge. Dr. Jindal claims that to tackle male infertility, a united effort is needed to eliminate the stigma associated with it. Education and awareness campaigns are important to encourage men to seek help and engage in open discussions about their reproductive health.

Fostering a supportive environment that fosters dialogue around male fertility challenges is essential to increasing understanding and empathy. Healthcare providers can actively include conversations about male fertility in routine health assessments and offer screening for men experiencing infertility issues. Research initiatives exploring the diverse causes of male infertility – including genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions – play an important role in developing effective treatment protocols.

Prioritizing male fertility in the broader conversation about reproductive health creates a more inclusive narrative, empowering all individuals to take active steps in their fertility journey. By shining a light on these important issues, we can encourage men to seek the help they need, which will ultimately lead to healthier families and communities.

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