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, Director of ART Fertility Clinics in Gurugram and a specialist with over 25 years of experience in reproductive medicine, 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.
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
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.
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.
Abnormal Shape (Teratospermia)
A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm reduces fertilisation even when count and motility appear adequate.
No Sperm (Azoospermia)
Complete absence of sperm in semen. This can be obstructive (a physical blockage) or non-obstructive (production failure). Both have treatment options.
DNA Fragmentation
Standard semen analysis does not check for DNA damage within sperm. High DNA fragmentation — a hidden factor in many unexplained IVF failures — requires a specific test. Dr. Sonu Balhara presented research on immunomodulators in recurrent implantation failure at the Indian Fertility Society’s 8th National Conference (2012), underscoring the importance of investigating male-side factors in failed cycles.
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.
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
- Lifestyle changes: Targeted dietary and lifestyle modifications
- Medication: Hormonal treatment to improve sperm production
- IUI: For mild male factor — washed, concentrated sperm placed directly into the uterus
- IVF with ICSI: A single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg — highly effective even in severe cases
- Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA/PESA): For azoospermia — sperm retrieved directly from the testis
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.
Dr. Sonu Balhara | IVF & Fertility Expert | ART Fertility Clinics, Sector 38, 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.
