Male Infertility

23rd August 2025

Male Infertility: More common than perceived

It is unfortunate but true that infertility is generally perceived as a women’s health issue. The truth is that male factors account for nearly half of all infertility cases worldwide. So, what is male infertility? Simply put, it is considered to be a man’s inability to impregnate his partner after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. While this can be emotionally distressing there is some good news. The good news is that most causes of male infertility are identifiable and treatable.

Identifying the reasons of male infertility

Male infertility is dependent upon several varied factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. The common causes include:

Low sperm production: Conditions like varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), hormonal imbalances, genetic issues or infections can reduce sperm count.
Poor sperm motility or morphology: Even if sperm is produced, defects may occur such as they may not swim efficiently or are abnormally shaped, making fertilisation difficult.
Obstructions: Blockages in the vas deferens or epididymis may prevent sperm from mixing with semen.
Hormonal disorders: Low testosterone or imbalances in FSH, LH and prolactin affect sperm production.
Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or mumps orchitis can damage reproductive organs.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, stress or drug abuse negatively impact fertility.
Environmental causes: Prolonged heat exposure, radiation, toxins or certain medications can lead to decreased fertility.

Symptoms of male infertility

So how does a person know that he is suffering from male infertility? While the affliction often has no obvious signs, certain symptoms can indicate underlying issues. These include:

Difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected intercourse.
Low sexual desire or erectile dysfunction.
Pain, swelling or lumps in the testicular area.
Recurrent respiratory infections (linked to immotile sperm syndrome).
Decreased facial or body hair, suggesting hormonal problems.

If any of these symptoms are present and persist, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation.

How can one get tested for male infertility?

To pinpoint the occurrence of male infertility, doctors usually recommend a range of tests to identify the root cause. A few of these tests are:

Semen analysis: This is the most common test to assess sperm count, motility and morphology.
Hormone testing: Checks testosterone and other hormone levels.
Genetic testing: Identifies chromosomal abnormalities or Y chromosome microdeletions.
Scrotal ultrasound: Detects varicocele or blockages in reproductive organs.
Testicular biopsy: Determines sperm production capability.
Specialised sperm function tests: Assesses the sperm’s ability to penetrate and fertilise an egg.

Exploring cure and treatment options

To treat male infertility effectively, the underlying causes needs to be identified so that treatment can be customised appropriately. The common approaches include:

Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and managing stress.
Medications: Hormonal therapies, antibiotics for infections or drugs to improve sperm production.
Surgical interventions: Correcting varicocele, removing blockages or retrieving sperm directly from the testicles.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): There can be different types of this such as

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – injecting sperm directly into the uterus.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) – combining sperm and egg outside the body.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – injecting a single healthy sperm into the egg.

Overcoming the obstacle

Male infertility is definitely an obstacle but not a permanent barrier to parenthood. It is a barrier that can be surmounted and overcome with modern diagnostic tools and advanced treatments. In fact, most men can overcome infertility and achieve successful conception. For this it is crucial to seek timely medical guidance, adopt a healthier lifestyle and address emotional stress.