Why male infertility is rising and why we’re still not talking about it enough?

For decades, infertility has always been attributed to being a ‘woman’s problem’.  But science reveals a very interesting story. With male infertility rising across the globe, contributing to nearly 40% of cases, conversations related to this topic have always been kept limited. Read this interesting article by IVF experts of the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad, Gunjan IVF World, on the rise in male infertility and why everyone is still silent about it.

The rising trend: What the data shows?

According to studies conducted worldwide, it has been seen that sperm counts have decreased drastically over the past few decades. Not just that, male infertility is primarily increasing in the regions of South Asia. It is alarming to note that sperm counts have dropped by more than 50% over the last 50 years. This is not a small shift but a major health issue at hand.

Why is male infertility increasing?

There is no one reason behind the rise in cases of male infertility. It is a combination of many factors, like modern lifestyle, environment, and health.

Lifestyle factors: “Daily habits have a direct impact on reproductive health. High stress levels, poor diet & obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking & alcohol consumption are all contributing factors of declining sperm quality and count,” said Dr Gunjan Gupta, the best IVF specialist in Indirapuram and the Founder & Medical Director of Gunjan IVF World, a trusted fertility clinic near me in Ghaziabad. Gunjan IVF World is the fourth-time winner of North India’s best IVF clinic chain by the Economic Times. This renowned fertility clinic in Ghaziabad has four highly advanced centres in Indirapuram, Janakpuri, Noida and Meerut.

Environmental factors: “Fertility can also be impacted by environmental factors like pollution, chemicals, and toxins. Exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and industrial pollution interferes with hormone production and damages sperm health,” stated Dr Kanchan Mala, an IVF doctor near me in Indirapuram and a Consultant at Gunjan IVF World, the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad.

Delayed parenthood: “These days, men choose to delay fatherhood for many reasons. As a result of this, they face challenges when they are ready. Sperm quality declines with growing age, and with time, DNA damage increases in sperm,” said Dr Neha Verma, an IVF specialist Ghaziabad and Consultant at Gunjan IVF World, an IVF clinic near me with experienced doctors in Indirapuram.

Health conditions and infections: “With growing age, health conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalances and untreated infections happen, which come in the way of male fertility. Sexually transmitted infections can lead to blockages, and chronic diseases can affect sperm production,” mentioned Dr Mayank Jain, IVF doctor near me for male infertility and Consultant at Gunjan IVF World, an IVF center in Indirapuram.

Daily habits you don’t think about: Male fertility is also impacted by subtle lifestyle factors like sedentary routines, irregular sleep and excess heat exposure (laptops, tight clothing, etc.). These affect sperm production and quality as well.

Why do we not talk about male infertility?

Despite the growing incidence of male infertility, it remains under-discussed. Here’s why.

Social stigma and masculinity: Fertility is often linked to masculinity. Men really feel ashamed and embarrassed when talking about fertility. Admitting fertility issues is often viewed as a weakness.

Focus on women in fertility care: Fertility tests begin with the woman. They are required to undergo multiple tests. On the contrary, men are often tested later or not at all.

Lack of awareness and education: What most people do not know is that fertility also declines in men, sperm health is affected by the lifestyle men lead, and testing is simple and accessible.

Underdiagnosis and limited focus: Male infertility is often underdiagnosed and under-researched, leading to missed or delayed treatment.

Things that need to be changed

Normalise the conversation: Fertility should be discussed as a shared responsibility and not a gendered issue

Encourage early testing: A simple semen analysis can provide valuable insights early on

Promote lifestyle awareness: Small changes can make a difference, like a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances

Educate and empower: Better awareness can reduce stigma and encourage proactive care

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