Male fertility issues often go unnoticed until couples face challenges while trying to conceive. Male fertility is an important part of conception; still, it often receives less attention than female fertility. Infertility is a shared issue, and it's important to evaluate both partners to identify potential causes. For a successful conception, it is imperative to know the signs that indicate the need for a fertility check and seeking early diagnosis and treatment can significantly enhance the chances of successful conception. But what are the signs you need to watch out for?

We got in touch with Dr Ila Gupta, Clinical Director and Sr. Consultant Reproductive Medicine of Ferticity IVF and Fertility Clinics, New Delhi who shares signals that often remain overlooked.

“Seeking a male fertility test not only helps identify underlying health issues but also provides clarity and potential solutions to boost reproductive health. Ignoring these warning signs can delay treatment and lower the chances of conception,” Dr Gupta said.

Key Factors To Consider For A Male Fertility Check

1. Inability To Conceive After One Year Of Trying: If it's more than a year that you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. For couples where the woman is 35 or older, this duration is reduced to six months.

2. Medical History: There could be several medical conditions that can impact male fertility. Mumps, a contagious viral infection if contracted after puberty, can impact sperm production. Another common issue that might reduce sperm quality is Varicocele, an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. Moreover, Sexually transmitted infections, if not treated, may lead to scarring and blockages in the reproductive tract.

3. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, drug abuse, and exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation may all reduce sperm health.

4. Sexual Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, premature ejaculation or low sex drive can be a sign of underlying fertility issues. Such issues often indicate hormonal imbalances or other health conditions that may impact sperm production and quality.

5. Hormonal Imbalances: In a few cases, symptoms such as reduced facial or body hair growth, breast enlargement, or other signs of hormonal imbalance can indicate fertility issues. Hormones like testosterone play an important role in the production of sperm, and any imbalance can impede this process.

• Semen Analysis: It determines the quantity and quality of sperm which include shape, movement, and concentration of the sperm. If the result is abnormal it can be a sign of various fertility issues, from infections to blockages in the reproductive tract.

• Hormonal Testing: Blood tests can be conducted to find the levels of testosterone and other hormones crucial for sperm production.

• Genetic Testing / DNA Fragmentation: In a few cases genetic conditions can be the reason behind fertility. Testing can identify chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations that might be affecting the production of sperm.

Treatment Options

Dr Gupta shares some treatment options one may consider:

• Lifestyle Changes: To enhance fertility it is important to improve diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption.

• Medications: To address imbalances that might be affecting sperm production, Hormonal treatments can be suggested by your medical practitioner. Additionally, antibiotics can be prescribed for infections, and other medications can address issues such as erectile dysfunction.

• Surgical Interventions: To treat conditions like severe varicocele, surgical correction may be required to improve sperm quality. Sometimes, to restore normal sperm flow due to blockages in the reproductive tract surgery might be required.

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In cases where natural conception is difficult, ART methods such as Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), TESA, and Microtesa can be effective. These techniques involve fertilizing the egg outside the body and implanting the embryos in the uterus.

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