What Causes Male Infertility? Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments

5/1/2025 6:57:00 AM   Lotus IVF Team   

Male infertility affects millions of men globally and contributes to nearly 50% of infertility cases among couples. It is defined as a man's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. At Lotus IVF, the best fertility center in Bareilly, we understand how challenging this journey can be. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of male infertility in a clear and informative format—helping you understand the condition and discover the best solutions available.

Causes

Male infertility can result from a variety of factors that affect sperm production, quality, or delivery. Understanding these causes in detail is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum that affect sperm quality and production.
• Hormonal Imbalances – Low testosterone or problems with the pituitary gland can reduce sperm production.
• Infections – STIs, mumps, or urinary tract infections can damage the reproductive system.
• Ejaculation Issues – Retrograde ejaculation or blockages can prevent sperm from reaching semen.
• Genetic Disorders – Klinefelter syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletions can impact sperm production.
• Lifestyle Factors – Smoking, alcohol, drug use, obesity, and stress contribute to infertility.
• Environmental Exposure – Pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation may impair fertility.

Symptoms

Most men with male infertility don’t experience obvious symptoms until they try to conceive for 12 months or more without success. Common signs of male reproductive issues include low sex drive, difficulty with erection or ejaculation, pain or swelling in the testicles, reduced facial or body hair, small or undescended testicles, and abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia). If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of male infertility are essential for successful conception. At Lotus IVF (the best fertility center in Bareilly), we offer a full range of tests—including semen analysis, hormone testing, and genetic screening—to identify underlying issues. A proper diagnosis helps in selecting the best treatment plan.

• Semen Analysis – This is the most important test. It evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology (shape), and volume.
• Hormone Testing – Blood tests to check levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin.
• Scrotal Ultrasound – Imaging helps identify varicocele or blockages in the reproductive tract.
• Genetic Testing – Used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations related to infertility.
• Urinalysis – Helps detect retrograde ejaculation or infections.
• Testicular Biopsy – In selected cases, a sample is taken to assess sperm production directly.

Treatment

• Treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive techniques.
• Medication – Used to correct hormonal imbalances or treat infections.
• Surgery – Procedures like varicocelectomy or vasectomy reversal can restore fertility.
• Lifestyle Modifications – Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing weight, and reducing stress can improve fertility.
• Supplements – Antioxidants, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C & E may improve sperm quality.
• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) – Includes IUI, IVF, and ICSI. These techniques can help overcome issues like low sperm count or motility.
• Counseling – Emotional support and sex therapy are sometimes needed for psychological causes of infertility.

Is Male Infertility Permanent?

Not necessarily. Whether male infertility is permanent or temporary depends on its cause. Some conditions like hormonal imbalances, infections, lifestyle factors, or varicocele can be treated successfully. However, certain cases involving genetic abnormalities or irreversible testicular damage may be more difficult to cure.

Advances in reproductive medicine now offer multiple treatment options including medications, lifestyle changes, surgery, and assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or ICSI, giving hope to many couples.

Can Stress or Depression Cause Male Infertility?

Yes, stress and depression can significantly impact male fertility. Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol — a hormone that can interfere with testosterone levels, ultimately affecting sperm production and quality. Additionally, depression can alter hormonal balance and reduce libido, leading to reduced sexual activity and, in some cases, erectile dysfunction. Emotional stress can also result in unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor diet — all of which further contribute to infertility. Mental well-being plays a crucial role in reproductive health, and addressing psychological issues through counseling, therapy, or lifestyle changes can greatly improve fertility outcomes.

Is Infertility in Men More Common Now Than Before?

Recent studies and global health data suggest that male infertility is indeed more common now than it was a few decades ago. Factors such as increasing environmental pollution, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, rising obesity rates, and higher stress levels all contribute to declining male reproductive health. Moreover, late marriages and delayed parenthood also influence male fertility. With awareness growing and more men seeking medical help, the reported cases have also increased — indicating both better diagnostics and a genuine rise in infertility rates.

Is Low Sperm Count the End of Becoming a Father?

Absolutely not. A low sperm count doesn’t mean you cannot become a father. It simply means that conception may take longer or require medical assistance. Many men with low sperm count can still father children naturally. In other cases, modern reproductive technologies like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) offer effective solutions. Lifestyle changes — including a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress — can also help improve sperm count and quality. At Lotus IVF, the best fertility center in Bareilly, our experienced specialists guide you through every step with personalized care and advanced treatments to maximize your chances of success. Consulting a fertility expert at Lotus IVF is the first step toward understanding the cause and finding the best path forward on your journey to parenthood.

Conclusion:

Male infertility can be a complex and emotionally challenging issue, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, many men can overcome it and achieve their dream of fatherhood. At Lotus IVF, the best fertility center in Bareilly, we are committed to providing compassionate care, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether through medical management, surgical intervention, lifestyle guidance, or assisted reproductive techniques, our expert team supports you every step of the way. If you or your partner are facing fertility challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lotus IVF, the best fertility center in Bareilly — where hope meets expertise and the journey to parenthood begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is male infertility increasing in today’s generation?

Unfortunately, yes. Pollution, poor lifestyle, junk food, screen time, and late marriages are all taking a toll on male fertility. Today’s generation is facing more fertility issues than ever before.

2. Does low sperm count mean I’ll never have kids?
Not at all! Low sperm count isn’t the end — it just means the journey might need some medical support. Many men with low sperm count become dads with lifestyle changes or fertility treatments.

3. Is infertility only a woman’s problem?
No — that’s a myth. About 40–50% of infertility cases are due to male factors. It’s high time we break the stigma and normalize men getting tested too.

4. Can gym supplements or protein powders reduce sperm count?
Yes, some bodybuilding supplements — especially those with anabolic steroids — can harm sperm production. Always check with a doctor before using any muscle-boosting products.

5. Can mobile phones and laptops affect male fertility?
Too much heat from laptops on your lap and constant mobile phone exposure near your groin may impact sperm health. It’s not the sole cause — but it’s something to be cautious about.

6. How can I naturally boost my sperm count?
Eat clean, sleep well, exercise regularly, quit smoking/alcohol, manage stress — and add foods like walnuts, dark chocolate, spinach, and citrus fruits to your diet. Simple lifestyle tweaks can go a long way.

7. Can I still become a father after 40?
Yes, but sperm quality may decline with age. After 40, fertility might take longer — and risks of complications may increase — but fatherhood is still absolutely possible.

8. Can alcohol and smoking cause infertility?
Yes, both can damage sperm count and motility.

9. How does obesity affect male fertility?
Excess weight can lower testosterone and increase infertility risk.