Male Infertility: Causes, Signs, and What You Can Do

When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often lands on the woman—but male infertility, the inability of a man to contribute to pregnancy due to low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or structural issues. Also known as male factor infertility, it’s responsible for about 40–50% of all infertility cases in couples, according to global health data. Yet it’s rarely discussed openly, even in places like India where cultural stigma still silences these conversations. The truth? Male infertility isn’t rare, it’s not always permanent, and it’s often treatable—if you know what to look for.

It starts with sperm count, the number of sperm in a single milliliter of semen, with normal levels being at least 15 million per mL. Also known as sperm concentration, this is one of the first things doctors check when evaluating fertility. But it’s not just about numbers. sperm motility, how well sperm swim toward the egg. Also known as sperm movement, matters just as much. If sperm can’t move properly, even a high count won’t help. Then there’s sperm morphology, the shape and structure of sperm. Also known as sperm shape, abnormal forms can reduce the chance of fertilization. These three factors—count, movement, and shape—are the core of male fertility testing.

What causes these problems? Lifestyle plays a bigger role than most think. Smoking, heavy drinking, obesity, and chronic stress all lower sperm quality. Environmental toxins—like pesticides, heavy metals, and even some plastics—can disrupt hormone balance. Medical conditions like varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum), infections, or untreated diabetes also show up often in Indian clinical reports. Even something as simple as wearing tight underwear for long hours can raise scrotal temperature and hurt sperm production. And here’s the thing: many men don’t realize they have a problem until they try to have a baby. There are rarely obvious symptoms. No pain. No warning. Just silence.

That’s why understanding your body matters. If you’ve been trying for over a year without success, it’s time to get tested. A simple semen analysis takes less than an hour and gives you real answers. Treatment isn’t always complex. Sometimes it’s just losing weight, quitting smoking, or taking a supplement like zinc or folic acid. In other cases, doctors might recommend surgery for varicocele or prescribe medication to boost hormone levels. And yes—Ayurveda has its place too. Many Indian men turn to traditional remedies like ashwagandha or shilajit, which studies suggest may improve sperm count and motility. But they’re not magic. They work best when combined with medical advice and lifestyle changes.

This collection of articles doesn’t just list problems. It shows you what’s real, what’s backed by science, and what’s just noise. You’ll find posts on how diabetes meds like metformin can affect fertility, how weight loss impacts sperm quality, and how herbal supplements might support reproductive health. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask your doctor. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical info from real cases and research—especially relevant if you’re in India, where access to care and cultural attitudes shape how these issues are handled.