Friday Fertility Fundas: Can men be infertile too?

Fertility is a topic that most people shy away from talking about. But when it comes to burning questions that you are just too shy to ask someone face to face, we have the answers for you; answered by our expert Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Co-Founder, Cocoon Fertility

Can men be infertile too?

Globally, one in six couples suffer from infertility. Female factor accounts for 40-50 per cent of infertility. Infertility attributable to male factors is on the rise as well and constitutes 30-40 per cent of infertility. While 10-15 per cent are factors attributable to both, 15 per cent cases are due to unexplained infertility.
Some key reasons for male infertility include low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, blockages that prevent the delivery of sperms, ejaculatory problems or medical illnesses such as diabetes etc.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the above issues and you and your wife have tried for a baby for over a year, then it is advisable to contact a fertility specialist. You will be expected to do a semen analysis test to look for the sperm count, sperm shape, movement, and other characteristics. In general, higher the count, swimming capacity and normal forms, higher is the fertility potential. A lot of guys with low sperm counts or abnormal semen may still be fertile and around 15% of infertile men will have a normal semen analysis.When the sperm sample is very poor hormonal tests and ultrasound for the testis may be needed to look for the possible cause. Sperm parameters may be improved with proper diet and micronutrient supplementation. When IVF is needed ICSI i.e. intracytoplasmic sperm injection is usually needed in male factor infertility. PICSI is a newer procedure now available where physiologically normal sperm can be selected to form embryos in IVF.