When couples embark on the journey to parenthood, the focus often falls on the woman’s health. However, emerging research underscores the importance of male fertility in the process. With infertility affecting both partners equally, it is essential for men to consider fertility screening and understand the factors influencing reproductive health.Read More
The Cultural and Medical Gaps in Male Fertility Awareness
While the causes of female infertility have received much attention, male reproductive health often remains sidelined in public discourse and clinical practice. The issue goes beyond medical knowledge—cultural attitudes and stigma frequently prevent men from seeking timely treatment. As Dr. Murdia explains, “Medical issues like low sperm motility, hormonal imbalances, testicular varicocele, and infections are known contributors to male infertility. However, social stigma and a lack of education about male reproductive health often delay diagnosis and treatment.”
This cultural reluctance to discuss male fertility contributes to delayed diagnoses, leaving couples unaware of the male factor’s role in their infertility struggles. A study from a rural tertiary-care centre in Central India found that 40–50% of infertility cases were linked to male factors, consistent with national data. Of the 3,084 men evaluated, 34% were diagnosed with oligozoospermia, 19% with asthenoteratozoospermia, and 10.7% with azoospermia. Despite these concerning statistics, the primary focus of infertility testing often remains on women, pushing male fertility issues to the backburner.
The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Male Fertility
Beyond biological factors, lifestyle choices play a crucial role in male fertility. Poor nutrition, smoking, high stress, sedentary behaviour, and prolonged exposure to environmental toxins are increasingly being recognised as factors that negatively impact sperm quality. Many of these factors are modifiable, suggesting that making positive lifestyle changes could significantly improve a man’s fertility potential.
Dr. Murdia highlights the growing understanding that lifestyle adjustments—such as a balanced diet, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and exercising—can have a significant impact on sperm health. These changes, when implemented early, may be a cost-effective and non-invasive approach to improving male fertility.
The Impact of Age on Male Fertility
While it is widely acknowledged that women’s fertility declines with age, the impact of age on male fertility often goes unaddressed. It is true that men can remain fertile for longer periods compared to women, but research has shown that sperm quality starts to decline as early as the early thirties, with more significant drops in quality occurring after the age of forty.
A study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that although men can still father children later in life, their fertility potential decreases over time. “These changes might not lead to complete infertility, but they do impact natural conception rates and the success of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI,” says Dr. Murdia. Thus, age can have a significant impact on the success of fertility treatments, making early intervention even more crucial for men as they age.
How Male Fertility Is Tested
Male fertility testing is simple and non-invasive, starting with a semen analysis. This test evaluates key factors such as sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume. If the results are concerning, further assessments such as hormone profiling, genetic testing, scrotal ultrasound, or DNA fragmentation tests can help pinpoint treatable causes of infertility.
Early detection of issues such as varicoceles, infections, or hormonal imbalances can lead to successful treatment. Medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes often provide positive outcomes for these conditions. For men looking to preserve fertility for future use, sperm cryopreservation offers an effective option.
A Couple-Centred Approach to Infertility
Increasingly, fertility clinics are embracing a couple-centred approach to infertility, recognising that both partners should be assessed simultaneously. Rather than the traditional focus on female testing first, a more balanced approach allows for quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment planning. As Dr. Murdia notes, “When conception does not happen within six to twelve months, assessing both individuals from the start allows for quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment planning without reinforcing outdated gender roles.”
By evaluating both partners at the outset, fertility specialists can provide more comprehensive and efficient care, ensuring that both male and female factors are addressed promptly. This shift in perspective helps couples avoid unnecessary delays in their fertility journey.
Conclusion
While fertility is often thought of as a woman’s issue, it is essential for men to take an active role in their reproductive health. Understanding the impact of lifestyle, age, and underlying medical conditions on male fertility is crucial for both men and women trying to conceive. By acknowledging and addressing male fertility factors early in the process, couples can increase their chances of successful conception, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Taking fertility screening seriously is not just about improving individual chances of parenthood; it’s about ensuring that both partners receive the timely, accurate care they deserve.