Sterility It affects approximately 186 million people worldwide and is often framed primarily as a women’s issue. However, it is important to recognize that male partners are implicated in almost half of infertility cases, revealing a critical aspect of reproductive health that deserves greater attention and understanding. According to expert Dr. Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant and IVF-PGT Expert at Jindal IVF, between 12 and 18 million couples in India are diagnosed with infertility every year.
The hidden stigma of male infertility
Despite the significant presence of male factor infertilityMany men are still hesitant to seek help. Dr. Jindal points out that the social stigma surrounding reproductive health not only perpetuates the silence but also obscures the true extent of male infertility. As a result, the actual number of men facing these challenges is likely much higher than the reported numbers suggest. This silence can prevent men from accessing the support and treatment they need, exacerbating the emotional and psychological toll of infertility.
Sperm quality and IVF results
Dr. Jindal says sperm quality is a critical factor that influences the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Abnormal sperm characteristics, such as low concentration, reduced motility, and irregular morphology, can significantly hamper the chances of successful conception. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm lead to decreased sperm quality; Research shows that between 40% and 88% of sperm from men with infertility exhibit higher levels of ROS. This oxidative stress inflicts cellular damage, impairing crucial sperm functions, including maturation and the acrosome reaction, both essential for effective fertilization.
Dr. Jindal says decreased sperm count, motility, or abnormal morphology can often be addressed through medical or surgical interventions, with approximately 50% of affected men being successfully treated.
Multifactorial causes of infertility
Male infertility is a multifaceted problem influenced by several factors. Hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels, can severely affect sperm production and overall fertility. Conditions such as varicocele (the enlargement of veins within the scrotum) can disrupt blood flow and affect testicular function, further decreasing sperm production. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain infections contribute to hormonal dysregulation and subsequent fertility challenges.
Lifestyle options They also have a considerable impact on reproductive health. Dr. Jindal emphasizes that factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use can alter hormone levels and affect sperm quality. Environmental influences, including exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and heavy metals, further contribute to male infertility by disrupting hormonal signaling and normal sperm development.
breaking the silence
The increasing prevalence of male infertility, which has increased by 76.9% since 1990, reinforces the urgent need to address this health challenge. Dr. Jindal says addressing male infertility requires a concerted effort to dismantle the associated stigma. Education and awareness campaigns are vital to encourage men to seek help and engage in open discussions about their reproductive health.
Fostering supportive environments that promote dialogue about the challenges of male fertility is essential to improving understanding and empathy. Healthcare providers can proactively incorporate conversations about male fertility into routine health assessments and offer screening to men facing infertility issues. Research initiatives exploring the various causes of male infertility (spanning genetic factors, lifestyle and medical conditions) play a crucial role in developing effective treatment protocols.
Prioritizing male fertility within the broader reproductive health debate creates a more inclusive narrative, empowering all people to take proactive steps in their reproductive journey. By shedding light on these critical issues, we can encourage men to seek the help they need and ultimately foster healthier families and communities.
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