Causes and Treatments of Male Infertility

For many couples, bringing a child into the world is a dream. But when conception doesn't happen, the journey can feel frustrating and heartbreaking. While infertility is often associated with women, male infertility is just as common. Nearly 40–50% of infertility cases are due to male factors.

If you or your partner can’t conceive, you are not alone. The causes and available treatments can guide you in taking the right steps toward parenthood. This blog will guide you through the causes of male infertility. You will also learn about the best medical treatments available with the help of a fertility specialist in Delhi.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility occurs when a man cannot impregnate his partner. This condition arises from an inability to produce or deliver sperm. If sperm can’t penetrate the egg, it will not be easy to conceive.

Many couples never realise that male infertility is a problem until they fail to conceive after more than one year. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, saving precious time, stress, and possibly even effective treatments.

Causes of Male Infertility

Both medical and lifestyle issues may affect male fertility. Probably some are health-related, while others would be lifestyle choices. Here are the common causes:

1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

A man needs to have enough sperm to conceive. Probably a count of less than 15 million sperm in ml of semen reduces fertilisation chances. Low sperm count results from:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetic disorder
• Varicocele (abnormal enlargement of the veins in the scrotum)
• Reproductive system infections

2. Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)

Even when sperm count is normal, the sperm have to be motile enough to swim towards the egg. Poor sperm motility means sperm are slow-moving or fail to swim toward the egg and fail to access the egg; this all lowers the chance of conception.

3. Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia)

Sperm should have a healthy oval shape with a strong tail to swim properly. Poorly shaped sperm may find it difficult to penetrate the egg and cause failure to conceive.

4. Blockage in Reproductive Tract

Sperm may be normal but may not be able to pass via the reproductive tract. This could be due to:

• Earlier surgeries
• Infections
• Congenital defects

Blockage of sperm may not allow sperm to reach semen and thus make it impossible for the couple to conceive naturally.

5. Imbalance of Hormones

Testosterone and other hormones govern the production of sperm. When the hormone levels are either too high or too low, it may interfere with sperm production. Hypogonadism is one condition that can cause low levels of testosterone, hence a reduction in fertility.

6. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle and environment greatly contribute to male fertility. Negative contributors to sperm health include:

• Smoking: It lowers sperm count and damages DNA.
• Excessive alcohol: Lowers testosterone levels and sperm quality.
• Obesity: Estrogen increases, which in turn decreases the production of sperm.
• Exposure to heat: Excessive use of hot tubs and saunas leads to decreased sperm quality.
• Drugs and Medication: Certain steroids, chemotherapy drugs and other drugs are found to cause male infertility.

Once you have identified such risks, through changes in your lifestyle, you will improve sperm quality over time.

Treatment of Male Infertility

Fortunately, medical science has evolved, and many successful fertility treatments are there. Depending upon the cause, IUI, IVF, or ICSI can be a more viable solution to conceive.

1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a minimal, less intrusive form of fertility treatment. Healthy, concentrated sperm are directly placed inside the uterus of a woman at the time of ovulation.

Best For:

• Mild male infertility (low sperm count, mild motility issues).
• Unexplained infertility.
• Cervical mucus issues.

How It Works:

• Sperm are collected, washed, and concentrated.
• The doctor injects the sperm into the uterus with a thin catheter.
• This aims to have some chances of sperm reaching the egg naturally.

The basic advantage of IUI is that it is less expensive and less complicated in comparison with other procedures; however, its success depends on sperm quality.

2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is one of the most successful fertility treatments. It circumvents many of the male infertility factors by allowing fertilisation of the egg outside the body.

Best For:

• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility
• Unexplained infertility
• Failed previous IUIs

How It Works:

• The woman undergoes medication that stimulates her egg production.
• The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries.
• Sperm is collected and mixed with the eggs in a lab.
• A fertilised embryo is placed in the uterus.

IVF comes with higher success rates, and genetic testing of the embryos is possible so the healthiest ones are implanted.

3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a form of IVF. ICSI represents an advanced form of IVF when a sperm, selected as being healthy, is injected directly into the egg.

Best For:

• Extreme male infertility due to low counts, poor motility, or other abnormalities
• Sperm must be retrieved
• Failed IVF cycles in couples

How It Works:

• A doctor picks the best sperm from the sample.
• The sperm is injected into a mature egg.
• The fertilised egg is then transferred into the uterus.

ICSI is one of the best solutions for male infertility and offers hope to couples with severe sperm-related issues.

Why Choose ReproArt for Male Infertility Treatment?

The right fertility centre can determine the difference for you. At ReproArt, you are guaranteed:

• Sophisticated fertility treatments addressing male infertility.
• Highly experienced specialists working in IUI, IVF, and ICSI.
• Advanced technology, enhancing success.
• Compassionate care, holding your hand along the way.

Every couple needs the opportunity to share the life-changing experience of parenthood.

Conclusion

Male infertility is more common than most people realise, but it is treatable. Understanding causes and the right treatment makes all the difference.

If you or your partner is having difficulty conceiving, don't wait. The right medical care brings you closer to your ultimate dream of having a baby. Parenthood is possible. Take the first step today.

Book a consultation today with our best fertility clinic in Noida and take the first step toward parenthood!

FAQs

Q1. How do I know if I have male infertility?

If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, a semen analysis can help check sperm count, motility, and quality.

Q2. Can male infertility be reversed?

Yes, in some cases! Lifestyle changes, medication, or minor procedures can improve fertility. Severe cases may require medical treatments like ICSI or IVF.

Q3. How successful is IUI for male infertility?

IUI is effective for mild male infertility, with a success rate of 10-20% per cycle. It depends on the health of the sperm and the condition of the woman's fertility.

Q4. Is IVF the best option for male infertility?

IVF is more successful and is recommended for couples who have moderate to severe male infertility. If the sperm problem is serious, ICSI is advised for the best outcome.