Gynaecologist reveals why male infertility is often dismissed despite being a major factor in conception struggles

Male infertility is often the most overlooked factor. However, it deserves more attention and conversation.

For many years, when a couple failed to conceive, the eyes of society and the blame attached to it turned towards women. It was she who was shamed, interrogated, often, while the cause behind the infertility was left undiscovered. However, the true medical reality is that male infertility contributes to nearly 50% of all cases. It is time we addressed the overlooked half of the problem. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Richika Sahay Shukla, co- founder and medical Director, India IVF fertility, decodes why male fertility issues are often ignored.

Many causes of male infertility are reversible or manageable with timely medical intervention. (Unsplash)

Dr Richika said, “According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, India has 27.5 million people suffering from infertility, of which 40-50% is due to male factors. More alarmingly, clinical reports now suggest that only one in four Indian men has normal semen parameters.”

Why is this happening?

According to Dr Richika, these are the symptoms of modern living. Chronic stress, obesity, diabetes, and environmental toxins such as microplastics and pesticides are acting as potent endocrine disruptors. But unlike a blood sugar or blood pressure test, a semen analysis is not commonly recognised as a medical test in India. Men will record their fitness metrics obsessively, yet remain unaware of their reproductive health until they and their partner have been trying for months or years to conceive.

Couples should approach fertility as a team, seeking simultaneous evaluation from the very beginning. (Unsplash)

The stigma around male infertility and its connection to masculinity

Dr Richika also highlighted that in India, the mistaken impression of masculinity being associated with virility makes infertility a topic of shame and silence. This attitude has devastating implications. It leads to women undergoing unnecessary tests and procedures, a delay in effective treatment, and severe relationship stress.

What should be done?

“Many causes of male infertility are reversible or manageable with timely medical intervention,” said Dr Richika. First, semen analysis should be part of premarital or pre-conception health check-ups, just like blood tests. Second, the misconception that normal sexual performance equals normal fertility must be corrected. Lastly, couples should approach fertility as a team, seeking simultaneous evaluation from the very beginning.

Unlike a blood sugar or blood pressure test, a semen analysis is not commonly recognised as a medical test in India. (Pexel)

“But change must happen at home, in clinics, and in society. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or admission of failure. It is an act of strength and a sign of responsibility. Unless we recognise this, our pursuit of inclusive fertility care will only be half won,” Dr Richika told HT Lifestyle.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.