For decades, the burden of infertility investigations and treatments has disproportionately fallen on women. However, a leading fertility specialist is now urging a paradigm shift, highlighting that male factors play an equally critical role in the journey to parenthood.
The Overlooked 30%: Male Factor Infertility is Common
Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, a Consultant IVF Specialist at Bloom IVF, Palshetkar Patil Nursing Home, Opera House, breaks down the statistics clearly. In his clinical experience, 30% of infertility causes are female-related, 30% are male-related, 30% involve issues with both partners, and 10% remain unexplained. This challenges the pervasive myth that conception difficulties are primarily a woman's concern.
Broadening the perspective, male factor infertility contributes to a staggering 40–50% of all infertility cases, either as the sole cause or in combination with female factors. Common issues include low sperm counts, reduced motility, abnormal sperm shape, hormonal imbalances, and DNA damage within the sperm, known as DNA fragmentation.
Beyond Count: Why Sperm Quality Dictates IVF Outcomes
While advanced procedures like IVF and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can overcome low sperm count, the quality of sperm remains paramount. Poor sperm DNA integrity is directly linked to lower fertilization rates, poor embryo quality, failed implantation, and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Routine semen analysis can sometimes miss these hidden flaws. Advanced diagnostic tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation assays, are crucial for identifying such issues. Once identified, problems can often be addressed through medical treatment, antioxidant supplements, or significant lifestyle modifications, all of which can dramatically improve the chances of IVF success.
Lifestyle: A Game-Changer for Male Fertility
The narrative that only women need to alter their lifestyle for better pregnancy rates is outdated and incorrect. Men often underestimate how smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, chronic stress, poor sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins can severely damage sperm production and function.
The good news is that positive changes can yield results relatively quickly. Since sperm development takes about 74 days, adopting healthier habits—quitting smoking, moderating alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management—can enhance sperm parameters within a few months. This makes pre-IVF lifestyle correction extremely beneficial.
Dr. Palshetkar also emphasizes the power of partnership. When a woman, especially one with conditions like PCOS, is advised to change her diet and exercise, the male partner's support is vital. By participating in the same healthy routines, he creates a supportive environment rather than an obesogenic one, making the journey easier for both.
Medical, Emotional, and Logistical Roles of the Partner
Underlying medical conditions in men, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, varicocele, or infections, must be identified and treated before IVF, as this can greatly improve sperm health and reduce the need for complex interventions. In some cases, treating these issues can even lead to a natural pregnancy.
Beyond biology, the emotional and psychological role of the male partner is indispensable. IVF is an emotionally taxing process. A partner who is informed, present, and supportive can significantly reduce the woman's stress levels, which positively influences hormonal balance and treatment outcomes.
Logistical compliance is equally important. Success in IVF depends on precision. Male partners must be available and adhere to schedules for semen collection, prescribed abstinence periods, and follow-up appointments. In severe cases, procedures like TESA or micro-TESE for surgical sperm retrieval may be necessary.
A Collaborative Team Effort for Parenthood
Emerging research indicates that sperm quality influences not just conception but also the long-term health of the child, affecting epigenetic programming. This underscores the need to optimize male fertility well before attempting conception.
The biggest barrier to successful treatment, according to Dr. Palshetkar, is the persistent myth that fertility is a woman's responsibility. This mindset delays crucial male evaluation, increases emotional strain on women, and lowers overall success rates.
IVF is a team effort where both partners are indispensable. A collaborative approach, with equal responsibility for diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes, leads to better clinical outcomes and a healthier emotional journey. Addressing male factors early is a critical step toward significantly increasing a couple's chances of achieving parenthood.
