Rising Male Infertility in India: Causes & Solutions

Male infertility is emerging as a significant public health concern in India, now contributing to nearly 40% of all infertility cases, according to top fertility experts. The concerning rise has been attributed to a combination of increasing stress, poor lifestyle choices, obesity, environmental pollution, and delayed diagnosis — all impacting male reproductive health.Read More

Despite its growing prevalence, male infertility remains a taboo subject in Indian society, often overlooked or misunderstood. Experts are now calling for timely medical intervention and a societal shift toward more open conversations around the issue.

Stress, Obesity, and Pollution: Leading Contributors to Male Infertility

“Male infertility contributes to nearly 40% of all infertility cases,” explained Dr. Nisha Pansare, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Pune. “This spike is directly linked to unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and fast-food diets — all of which negatively impact sperm count and quality.”

Dr. Pansare further added that obesity and environmental exposure to pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals, are playing a significant role in reducing sperm viability. Medical conditions like diabetes, infections, and hormonal imbalances, along with increasing age, can further compromise male fertility.

In her clinic, 5 to 6 young men between 25 and 35 years are diagnosed every two months with low sperm count, seeking support for fertility-related concerns. These cases reflect a troubling trend among younger males once considered at the peak of reproductive health.

Overlooked But Critical: The Male Fertility Factor

Dr. Parul Khanna, Fertility Specialist at Nova Southend Fertility and IVF in New Delhi, emphasized the urgency of addressing male infertility: “It’s often an invisible part of the parenthood journey. Yet poor diet, inadequate sleep, rising stress, and exposure to environmental toxins have all been linked to declining sperm health.”

Dr. Khanna highlighted that 1 to 2 males aged 25-35 visit her clinic every two months with signs of erectile dysfunction, low libido, and testicular swelling, all pointing toward compromised fertility. Early diagnosis and expert counseling make a significant difference, she stressed.

Emotional Toll and the Stigma Surrounding Male Infertility

In Gurugram, Dr. Jyoti Gupta, Senior Consultant at Motherhood Fertility and IVF, shared that male infertility often takes a serious emotional toll, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and strain on relationships.

“Unfortunately, this remains a hush-hush issue,” said Dr. Gupta. “The silence and stigma result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, further complicating the situation.”

In the past two months alone, her clinic has advised 10 to 15 men aged 30-35 years with low sperm counts to undergo fertility treatment. She emphasized that most male fertility issues are treatable with the right intervention.

Hope Through Lifestyle Changes and Modern Treatments

All three experts agree that lifestyle modifications can play a critical role in prevention and recovery. Recommendations include:

Healthy Diet: Balanced meals rich in antioxidants to improve sperm health.
Regular Exercise: Helps maintain a healthy weight and supports hormone regulation.
Stress Management: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, or counseling.
Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol: These substances significantly impair reproductive function.
Early Evaluation and Diagnosis: Crucial for accessing timely treatments like ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) and sperm preservation.

Breaking the Silence: Time to Normalize the Conversation

“Early evaluation and open conversations are the first steps not only toward effective treatment but also emotional healing,” said Dr. Gupta.
Campaigns aimed at breaking the stigma and normalizing male reproductive health discussions are urgently needed, the experts added.

Conclusion

With nearly four out of every ten infertility cases in India now involving male factors, the time for action is now. Timely diagnosis, lifestyle adjustments, and shedding the social stigma around male infertility can pave the way for healthier outcomes — and help more couples realize their dream of parenthood.

Reference : https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/male-infertility-growing-early-diagnosis-lifestyle-changes-open-dialogue-way-forward-experts/2487710