- If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success (or 6 months if the woman is over 35)
- If you’ve had any history of testicular injury, infection, or surgery
- If you have problems like low sexual drive or difficulty with erection or ejaculation
- If you’ve had cancer treatment or radiation therapy
- If your partner has had multiple miscarriages or failed fertility treatments
What is Male Infertility?
Male Infertility means a man has a problem with his reproductive system that makes it harder for him to impregnate his female partner. This could be due to low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or abnormal sperm shape. In some cases, there may be no sperm at all, or the sperm may not reach the egg.
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, we help men understand their fertility health through careful testing, expert advice, and effective treatments.
Types of Male Infertility
There are two main types:
Obstructive Infertility: Sperm is produced but gets blocked from coming out due to an issue in the reproductive tract.
Non-Obstructive Infertility: The problem is with sperm production itself- either very few sperm are made or none at all.
When should you Get Checked?
How common is Male Infertility?
Male Infertility is more common than most people think. Studies show that about:
- 1 in 6 couples face difficulty in conceiving.
- Male factors are involved in 40%–50% of all infertility cases.
- Around 2%–12% of men have some form of sperm abnormality.
This is why it’s important to test both partners early on.
Who is more likely to have Male Infertility?
Some men are more at risk of fertility problems, including those who:
- Are over age 40
- Smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol excessively, or use recreational drugs
- Are overweight or obese
- Work in high-heat environments or sit for long periods (e.g., truck drivers, chefs)
- Have jobs involving chemicals, radiation, or heavy metals
- Have diabetes, thyroid issues, or other chronic illnesses
- Use steroids or testosterone supplements
- Have a family history of infertility or genetic conditions
What causes Male Infertility?
There are many possible causes, and sometimes more than one may be present. Common causes include:
Sperm-related problems:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- No sperm in the semen (azoospermia)
- Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
Medical conditions:
- Varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum)
- Infections like mumps, STDs, or prostatitis
- Hormonal disorders (low testosterone, thyroid imbalance)
- Retrograde ejaculation (sperm goes into the bladder instead of out)
Structural issues:
- Blocked or damaged tubes (vas deferens or epididymis)
- Undescended testicles (not corrected during childhood)
- Injury or surgery to the testicles or prostate
Lifestyle and environmental causes:
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
- Obesity or poor diet
- Excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight underwear)
- Stress and poor sleep
- Occupational exposure to chemicals or radiation
Genetic causes:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Y chromosome deletions
- CFTR mutations (linked to absent vas deferens)
How is Male Fertility Assessed?
The male infertility evaluation is simple and non-invasive. It usually includes:
- Medical history and physical exam: A doctor will ask about your lifestyle, past illnesses or surgeries, and check for signs like small testicles or enlarged veins (varicocele).
-
Semen analysis: The most important test. It measures:
- Sperm count (how many)
- Motility (how well they move)
- Morphology (shape and structure)
A normal sperm count doesn’t always mean there’s no problem, so doctors may check multiple samples.
- Hormone testing: A blood test checks testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, and thyroid hormones.
- Scrotal ultrasound: Shows if there are any blockages, infections, or varicoceles affecting the testicles.
- Genetic testing: If sperm count is very low or absent, doctors may test for genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome or Y chromosome deletions.
- Advanced sperm function tests: Such as DNA fragmentation or ROS testing in selected cases.
Each of these tests helps doctors understand the reason behind infertility and suggest the most suitable treatment.
What are the treatments for Male Infertility?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the issue. Many men improve their fertility with basic lifestyle changes and simple treatments. Some may need medical or advanced procedures.
Step 01
Lifestyle changes
- Quit smoking, alcohol, and drugs
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
- Reduce stress and improve sleep
- Avoid heat exposure to the testicles
Step 02
Medications
- Hormonal medicines to improve sperm production
- Antibiotics for infections
- Medicines to improve sexual function or ejaculation
Step 03
Surgical treatments
- Varicocelectomy: Surgery to repair varicocele and improve sperm quality
- Sperm retrieval procedures:
- TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
- PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
- Micro-TESE (Microsurgical sperm extraction)
These are used in IVF when sperm is not present in the semen.
Step 04
Assisted reproductive techniques
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Used if sperm count and movement are mildly low.
- IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected into an egg. This is helpful when sperm count is very low, or sperm needs to be retrieved from the testicles.
- Donor sperm: Used in rare cases when no sperm can be found or produced.
Why Choose Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics?
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, we design each treatment plan around your specific needs and medical history.
With over 40+ years of combined experience and more than 10,000 healthy deliveries, our team is committed to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood with skill, care, and compassion.
Here’s what makes Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics one of the top 5 IVF and fertility centres in Delhi:
Personalized care
Each treatment is designed specifically around your medical history, goals, and emotional needs.
Proven expertise
Our doctors and embryologists are internationally accredited and bring decades of hands-on fertility experience to every case.
Transparent & ethical pricing
We explain everything clearly—no hidden fees, no unnecessary procedures.
High-quality, affordable treatment
Get access to the best care at a cost that respects your budget.
Advanced technology
From lab facilities to diagnostic equipment, we use the latest in reproductive science to increase your chances of success.
Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a second opinion, Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics is here to guide you every step of the way, with experience you can trust, and care you can feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many cases can be treated with medicine, surgery, or assisted reproduction techniques like ICSI.
No. It’s a simple, non-invasive test that checks your sperm through a sample collected at the clinic or at home.
Yes. High stress levels can reduce hormone production and sperm quality.
Yes, sperm quality can decrease with age, especially after 40.
Sperm production takes about 2–3 months. Changes in lifestyle or medicines may take that long to show results.
No, regular moderate exercise is good for fertility. But avoid overtraining or using steroids.
Yes. In some cases, genetic problems can cause poor sperm production or blocked tubes. A genetic test may be advised.