Rising Cases of Male Infertility

Male infertility is responsible for about 40% of infertility cases in the country.

Traditionally, infertility was seen as a female issue, but men are increasingly being identified as the primary cause.

Women-related infertility also accounts for around 40%, while 10% of cases involve issues from both sides, and 10% remain unexplained.

Why is Male Infertility Increasing?

Declining Sperm Quality

A 2022 global meta-analysis found a 51.6% drop in average sperm concentration between 1973 and 2018.

The World health Organization (WHO) lowered the threshold for normal sperm count to 15 million sperm per milliliter, compared to the previous 40 million.

Factors Contributing to Decline in Sperm Quality

Aging: As men age, sperm dna quality decreases, leading to potential health risks for future children.

Lifestyle Factors: Stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, irregular work hours, and poor diet can severely affect sperm health.

Environmental and Chemical Impact

Pollution & Chemical Exposure

Air Pollution: Chemicals like PM2.5, heavy metals, and free radicals from smoking damage sperm DNA.

Microplastics & Chemicals: Exposure to BPA, phthalates, and pesticides disrupts hormonal balance and lowers testosterone, affecting sperm production.

AIIMS Study Findings

Azoospermia (absence of sperm) and OATS syndrome (low sperm count, motility, or data-size) are the most common causes of male infertility.

When Should Men Get Tested?

Testing Advice: Men should get tested after one year of trying to conceive without success.

Three semen tests, spaced 2–3 days apart, are required for an accurate diagnosis.

A normal report should include:

Volume > 2 ml

Count > 20 million/ml

Motility > 50%

> 30% normal sperm morphology

Treatment Options

Surgical Solutions:Blockages in the reproductive tract can often be corrected with surgery.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Techniques like IUI or ICSI can help men become fathers, even with just a single sperm.

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