Male Infertility: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options in India
In India — and across many countries — infertility is treated as a woman’s problem. When a couple struggles to conceive, the wife is tested first, treated first, and carries the emotional weight almost entirely alone. The husband is rarely part of the initial evaluation.
This needs to change. Dr. Sonu Balhara, IVF & Fertility Expert and Director of ART Fertility Clinics, Gurugram, evaluates both partners from the very first consultation. In her clinical experience treating couples from India and 21+ countries including Iraq, Iran, Sudan, England, Oman, Nigeria, Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Japan — male factor infertility accounts for 40–50% of cases. Yet it remains the most under-investigated aspect of couple fertility.
|
40% Male factor infertility |
40%
Female factor infertility |
20% Both / unexplained |
Infertility is a couple’s journey — not one person’s burden.
| Instagram Reel @drsonubalharaivf
“Fertility evaluation should always include BOTH partners from the beginning.” Watch Dr. Sonu Balhara’s full reel on this topic: |
Dr. Sonu Balhara’s protocol: Both partners are evaluated simultaneously at the very first consultation — not one after the other. This saves months of misdirected treatment and unnecessary emotional strain.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to a condition in which a man’s sperm — in terms of quantity, movement, or shape — is preventing conception with a fertile female partner. It is diagnosed through a semen analysis, a non-invasive test that takes one clinic visit and provides comprehensive information about sperm health.
The Most Common Causes
| CAUSE 01
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia) A sperm count below 15 million per millilitre is considered low. Fertilisation is still possible, but the odds of natural conception are significantly reduced. ✔ Treatable |
| CAUSE 02
Poor Motility (Asthenospermia) Even when count is normal, sperm that cannot swim effectively will not reach the egg. Motility issues are among the most frequently seen problems at Dr. Sonu Balhara’s clinic. ✔ Treatable |
| CAUSE 03
Abnormal Shape (Teratospermia) A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm reduces fertilisation even when count and motility appear adequate. ✔ Manageable |
| CAUSE 04
No Sperm (Azoospermia) Complete absence of sperm in semen. Can be obstructive (a physical blockage) or non-obstructive (production failure). Both have treatment options. ✔ Options available |
| CAUSE 05
DNA Fragmentation Standard semen analysis does not check for DNA damage within sperm. High DNA fragmentation is a hidden factor in many unexplained IVF failures — requires a specific test. Dr. Sonu Balhara presented research on this at the Indian Fertility Society’s 8th National Conference (2012). ✔ Often missed — ask specifically |
| CAUSE 06
Lifestyle Causes Heat exposure (tight clothing, hot baths), smoking, alcohol, anabolic steroids, obesity, and chronic stress all measurably damage sperm quality. These factors are modifiable. ✔ Fully modifiable |
The Semen Analysis: Simple and Essential
A semen analysis checks count, motility, morphology, and volume. It is painless, takes one visit, and provides information that can completely reorient a couple’s treatment path. Dr. Sonu Balhara’s standard protocol is to evaluate both partners simultaneously at the first consultation — not sequentially. This saves months of misdirected treatment and unnecessary emotional strain.
Treatment Options
| Step 1 | Lifestyle Changes
Targeted dietary changes, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding heat exposure. |
| Step 2 | Medication
Hormonal treatment to improve sperm production where low hormone levels are identified. |
| IUI | Intrauterine Insemination
For mild male factor — washed, concentrated sperm placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. |
| IVF+ICSI | IVF with ICSI
A single healthy sperm injected directly into the egg — highly effective even in severe cases of low count or poor motility. |
| Surgical | TESA / PESA
For azoospermia — sperm retrieved directly from the testis or epididymis and used in IVF with ICSI. |
A Note on Privacy and Stigma
In communities across India, Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other countries where Dr. Sonu Balhara’s patients originate, male infertility carries significant social stigma. Men avoid testing for years; couples cycle through years of female-focused treatment that never addresses the actual problem.
At ART Fertility Clinics, Gurgaon, all consultations are conducted with complete privacy and discretion. Outside her clinical practice, Dr. Sonu Balhara has volunteered her time conducting free consultations at a Gurdwara in Gurgaon and has been involved with NGO Chaupal in providing medical relief to NCR villages — reflecting a long-standing personal commitment to making fertility care accessible to all.
“Male infertility is common, diagnosable, and treatable.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success,
both of you need to be evaluated — together, at the same time.”
| Instagram Reel @drsonubalharaivf
Watch the full reel & follow @drsonubalharaivf for more Q&A videos in this series. |
Dr. Sonu Balhara | IVF & Fertility Expert | ART Fertility Clinics, Sector 38, Gurugram | Personal Clinic: Sector 46, Greenwood City, Gurugram | +91 9811409586 | sonubalharaivf.com
Conclusion
Male infertility is common, diagnosable, and in most cases treatable. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, both of you need to be evaluated. Book a couple consultation with Dr. Sonu Balhara at ART Fertility Clinics, Gurugram.