Infertility is often perceived as a woman’s health issue, but medical evidence tells a very different story. According to experts, male factors contribute to nearly 40 per cent of infertility cases, yet many couples still begin fertility evaluations by focusing only on the female partner.
On World Infertility Day, doctors are urging couples to recognise that infertility is a shared health concern, requiring equal participation from both partners.
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Infertility is a couple’s health issue
For decades, cultural beliefs and social stigma have placed the burden of infertility on women. However, fertility specialists say that this outdated perception can delay diagnosis and treatment. “A couple starts their parenthood journey together, and both partners deserve equal attention from the beginning,” says Dr. Monika Gupta, Center Head at Kailash IVF, Noida.
Even if a man appears healthy, exercises regularly, or has fathered a child in the past, it does not guarantee normal fertility. Male fertility depends on several important factors, including sperm count, sperm motility (movement), and sperm morphology (shape). Any abnormality in these parameters can reduce the chances of natural conception. “The sperm quality depends on many factors like sperm count, sperm movement, and sperm shape. We, medical professionals, call these parameters the sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. In simple terms, there has to be sufficient sperm, it should be capable of moving towards the egg easily, and it has to have the necessary structure for fertilizing it,” she added.
Hidden causes of male infertility
A routine semen analysis is often the first step in evaluating male fertility. However, experts say fertility testing has advanced significantly beyond simply counting sperm.
One important factor is DNA fragmentation, a condition in which the genetic material inside the sperm is damaged. Although sperm may appear normal under a microscope, damaged DNA can lead to poor fertilisation, impaired embryo development, recurrent miscarriages, and lower success rates during IVF treatment. Doctors may also investigate other underlying causes such as:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic disorders
- Infections
- Blocked sperm ducts
- Varicocele (enlarged veins around the testes that affect sperm production)
Lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, poor sleep, chronic stress, and prolonged heat exposure “Identifying these issues early allows doctors to recommend appropriate treatment while avoiding months – or even years – of uncertainty for couples,” said Dr. Gupta.
The role of men in IVF treatment
Male participation becomes even more important when couples require In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
One of the most effective techniques for treating severe male infertility is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). During this advanced IVF procedure, fertility specialists carefully inject a single healthy sperm directly into an egg, significantly improving fertilisation rates for men with low sperm count or poor sperm motility. ICSI has transformed fertility treatment worldwide, giving hope to thousands of couples who previously had limited chances of conceiving.
Breaking the stigma around male fertility
Experts believe the biggest barrier today is not medical – it is social. Many men hesitate to undergo fertility testing due to stigma, embarrassment, or the misconception that infertility is primarily a woman’s problem.
When men actively participate in fertility assessments, medical consultations, treatment planning, and healthy lifestyle changes, couples often experience reduced stress and better treatment outcomes. Fertility specialists emphasise that early evaluation of both partners leads to faster diagnosis, personalised treatment, and improved chances of pregnancy. “Fertility should never become a conversation where one partner carries the emotional burden while the other remains a silent observer. When men participate openly in testing, consultations, treatment decisions, and lifestyle changes, couples often feel more supported, less anxious, and better equipped to navigate the journey together,” said Dr. Gupta.”
Times Now Opinion
For far too long, infertility has been treated as a woman’s failure, even though science tells a very different story. As fertility challenges rise across India, the priority should be promoting reproductive health for both men and women, not perpetuating outdated myths and taboos.