Male Infertility in India: Stigma, Solutions & Treatment Options

Male factor infertility accounts for 40-50% of all infertility cases in India, yet it remains heavily stigmatized. Here's what Indian men need to know:

Breaking the Stigma

In Indian society, infertility is often wrongly blamed on women. The reality:

Male factors contribute to 40-50% of infertility cases

Many issues are treatable with modern medicine

Early testing saves time and emotional stress

Common Causes in Indian Men

Lifestyle Factors

Sedentary IT jobs: Prolonged sitting affects sperm quality

Stress: High-pressure work environments

Diet: Processed foods, excessive sugar

Heat exposure: Tight clothing, laptop on lap

Tobacco and alcohol: Widespread in many communities

Medical Causes

Low sperm count (oligospermia)

Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia)

Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia)

No sperm in ejaculate (azoospermia)

Varicocele (enlarged veins in scrotum)

Hormonal imbalances

Diagnostic Tests Available in India

Semen Analysis: ₹500-1,500

- Basic parameters: count, motility, morphology

- Advanced: DNA fragmentation, ROS testing

Hormone Testing: ₹2,000-5,000

- FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin

Genetic Testing: ₹8,000-25,000

- Karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletion

Ultrasound: ₹1,500-3,000

- Scrotal ultrasound for varicocele

Testicular Biopsy: ₹15,000-30,000

- For azoospermia cases

Treatment Options in India

Lifestyle Modifications (First Line)

Switch to cotton, loose underwear

Regular moderate exercise

Stress management through yoga

Improve diet with proteins and antioxidants

Quit smoking and reduce alcohol

Medical Treatment

Hormonal therapy for imbalances

Antibiotics for infections

Antioxidant supplements

Surgical Options

Varicocele repair: ₹30,000-60,000

Vasectomy reversal: ₹50,000-1,00,000

TESA/PESA for sperm retrieval

Assisted Reproduction

IUI with husband's sperm: ₹8,000-15,000

ICSI (injection of single sperm): ₹20,000-40,000 additional

Micro-TESE for azoospermia: ₹40,000-80,000

Finding an Andrologist in India

Look for andrologists in:

Mumbai: Hinduja, Jaslok, Lilavati

Delhi: AIIMS, Max, Fortis

Bangalore: Manipal, Apollo, Cloudnine

Chennai: Apollo, MIOT

Tips for Indian Men

Don't delay testing - it's quick and painless

Support your partner - infertility affects both

Talk to your doctor confidentially

Join online support communities

Consider counseling for stress management