Male Infertility Myths vs. Facts: What Every Man Needs to Know

In India and around the world, infertility is often viewed as a "woman’s issue." But did you know that in over 40% of infertility cases, male factors play a significant role? Despite this, there are still countless myths about male infertility that stop men from seeking help early.

At Sangolkar Hospital, Sangli, we see firsthand how early diagnosis and correct treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. Let’s debunk the most common misconceptions and explore expert-backed facts about male fertility.

✅ Myth 1: If a Man Can Ejaculate, He’s Fertile

🔍 Fact: Ejaculation does not guarantee sperm quality or quantity. A man can produce semen but have low sperm count (oligospermia), poor motility, or even zero sperm (azoospermia).

💡 Best practice: Get a semen analysis done at a reputed lab or fertility clinic in Sangli to assess true fertility status.

✅ Myth 2: Male Fertility Doesn’t Decline with Age

🔍 Fact: While men don’t have a biological clock like women, male fertility does decline — especially after 40. Aging can reduce testosterone levels, increase DNA fragmentation in sperm, and cause delayed conception or birth defects.

👉 Tip: If you’re planning fatherhood after 40, consult an expert fertility specialist for evaluation.

✅ Myth 3: Only Women Need Lifestyle Changes to Conceive

🔍 Fact: Men’s lifestyle directly impacts sperm health. Sedentary habits, smoking, alcohol, obesity, and stress all contribute to poor sperm morphology and motility.

Top lifestyle factors affecting male fertility:

• Obesity and diabetes

• Heat exposure (tight underwear, hot laptops, saunas)

• Substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs)

• High-stress levels and lack of sleep
  

✔️ Best male fertility tip: Switch to a fertility-friendly lifestyle with proper sleep, exercise, hydration, and diet.

✅ Myth 4: Supplements Can Fix Any Fertility Problem

🔍 Fact: While antioxidants like zinc, vitamin C, CoQ10, and selenium help, they cannot fix underlying medical conditions like varicocele, hormonal imbalances, or infections.

👉 Use supplements as a supportive aid, not a cure-all. Always get guidance from an experienced andrologist or reproductive endocrinologist.

✅ Myth 5: Fertility Testing Is Embarrassing or Unnecessary

🔍 Fact: Early semen testing is a non-invasive and essential part of infertility evaluation. Unfortunately, due to social stigma, many men avoid it — delaying diagnosis and treatment for months or years.

🏥 At Sangolkar Hospital, we encourage every couple facing infertility to get the male partner tested within the first two OPD visits.

💡 What Causes Male Infertility?

Understanding the root cause helps in selecting the right treatment. Some common causes include:

Condition	Description
Low Sperm Count	Less than 15 million sperm per ml of semen
Poor Sperm Motility	Sperm are unable to swim effectively to fertilize the egg
DNA Fragmentation	Damaged sperm DNA leads to failed conception or miscarriage
Varicocele	Enlarged veins in the scrotum affecting testicular temperature and sperm quality
Hormonal Imbalance	Low testosterone or high FSH/LH affecting sperm production
Infections	Past STIs or testicular infections can damage reproductive organs

🧪 Expert Diagnostic Tests for Male Infertility

Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

Recommended Tests at Top Fertility Clinics:

• Semen analysis (volume, count, motility, morphology)

• Hormonal panel (Testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin)

• Scrotal Doppler ultrasound (to check varicocele or structural abnormalities)

• Genetic testing or karyotyping (if zero or very low sperm)
  

📌 These tests are easily available in Sangli and should be considered routine for any couple struggling with conception.

💊 Treatment Options That Can Improve Male Fertility

Modern reproductive medicine offers multiple options to overcome male infertility. Depending on the cause, the best treatments include:

1. Lifestyle changes + Antioxidants
   

2. Medical therapy:

   • Clomiphene citrate for hormonal stimulation

   • FSH or hCG injections
     

3. Surgical correction:

   • Varicocelectomy

   • Correction of obstructive azoospermia
     

4. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART):

   • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

   • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with ICSI

   • Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA, PESA, micro-TESE)
     

📌 Many of these treatments are offered at top fertility hospitals in Maharashtra, including Sangolkar Hospital.

Busting the Taboo Around Male Infertility

Male infertility is real, common, and treatable. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the outcomes — often avoiding unnecessary and invasive treatments for the female partner.

At Sangolkar Hospital, Sangli, we provide confidential, stigma-free evaluation and counseling for male infertility. It’s time to break the silence and empower men to take charge of their reproductive health.