3 days Ago By Prerna Mittra
Fertility is not solely a woman's responsibility; it is a shared journey. By seeking help early, men can boost their chances of fatherhood, and gain insights into their overall health. International Men's Day: While infertility is often perceived as a female-only issue, males contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases, doctors say.
And yet, due to societal stigma and lack of awareness, men often do not seek help in a timely manner. Male fertility testing is crucial for diagnosing potential problems early on, and also to provide clarity. Understanding Male Infertility According to Dr Venkata Sujatha Vellanki, regional medical head and fertility specialist at Oasis Fertility , when couples face challenges in conceiving, fertility tests often focus on both partners.
"Male fertility tests are crucial, as male factors contribute to about 40-50 per cent of infertility cases," the doctor says, adding that male infertility is quite common. Factors like poor lifestyle choices , medical conditions, environmental toxins, and genetics can affect sperm production, motility, and quality in men. Conditions like varicocele, hormonal imbalances, or infections are common, too.
"Despite these risks, men are less likely than women to undergo fertility evaluations due to embarrassment, misconceptions, or a belief that the problem must lie with their partner," Dr Venkata points out. When Should Couples Get Evaluated? The doctor says that a couple should get evaluated if they have not conceived after one year of unprotected intercourse , or have experienced sexual dysfunction, lack of sexual interest, weight issues, are in desk jobs where they have to spend long hours, are stressed, and working night shifts while planning for pregnancy. "Change in size of testes, swelling around the testes, or any trauma should be evaluated, too.
A delay in seeking help can have significant repercussions. Fertility declines with age, and waiting too long may reduce the chances of conception, even with advanced treatments. Also, undiagnosed fertility issues might indicate broader health problems, such as diabetes or hormonal disorders," the expert states.
What To Expect In A Male Fertility Test? The most common test for male fertility is a semen analysis. var firstScrolled3 = false; window.addEventListener("scroll",(event) => { if(!firstScrolled3) { window.
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He calls it 'straightforward', and 'non-invasive'. "Such evaluations provide a comprehensive picture of a man's reproductive health, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and underlying health factors. "If a problem is detected, solutions are readily available.
Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, exercise, and reduced exposure to toxins, can significantly improve sperm quality. Medical interventions, including hormone therapy or surgeries, can address specific conditions. In cases where natural conception is not possible, assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can help," he explains.
The doctor concludes by saying that seeking fertility help should be normalised as part of overall healthcare. "Open conversations about male infertility can help dismantle the shame surrounding it. Partners should approach the process as a team, encouraging mutual testing early in the journey to parenthood.
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