Sharing love, happiness and other moments of one’s life with near and dear ones is all but human nature. This is why people dream of starting a family. But for some couples this journey is not always straightforward. One common challenge in this regard is male infertility. This is a condition where a man has difficulty fathering a child. Let us explore this topic and learn how an infertility doctor in Kolkata recognises the signs.
Male Infertility: A Few Details
Male infertility is when a man’s reproductive system does not work properly thereby making it hard or impossible for him to help conceive a baby with his partner. It is a widespread issue all around the world. Studies show that male infertility is a factor in about 40 to 50% of infertility cases under the sun.
Infertility does not always mean a man cannot father a child at all. Sometimes, it just means that it is more difficult to do so without medical help. Luckily advanced treatments are available today, including male infertility treatment in Kolkata to help couples overcome these challenges.
Male Infertility: A List of Causes
Several factors can lead to male infertility. Let us take a closer look at the common causes:
Low Sperm Count
Sperm count is the number of sperm in a man’s semen. A healthy sperm count is typically more than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Anything below this is considered low, making it harder to fertilise an egg.
Poor Sperm Movement (Motility)
Even if a man produces enough sperm it needs to swim well to reach and fertilise the egg. Sperm with poor motility can’t move effectively, reducing the chances of conception.
Abnormal Sperm Shape (Morphology)
Sperm should have a specific shape to function correctly. If the sperm are oddly shaped they may not be able to fertilise an egg.
Medical Conditions
- • Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum can lead to poor sperm quality.
- • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like testosterone play a big role in sperm production. Low levels of these hormones might as well cause infertility.
- • Infections: Some infections such as mumps or sexually transmitted infections or STIs can damage the reproductive organs.
- • Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or others can affect sperm production.
Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy habits can significantly impact fertility:
- • Smoking and Alcohol: These can lower sperm quality as well as reduce fertility.
- • Stress: Prolonged stress can disrupt hormone levels.
- • Obesity: Excess body weight affects hormone balance and sperm production.
- • Exposure to Toxins: Chemicals as well as pesticides along with radiation can harm sperm health.
Age
While men can father children later in life, fertility declines with age particularly after 40.
Recognising the Symptoms of Male Infertility
Male infertility doesn’t always come with obvious signs. Often couples only discover the issue when they struggle to conceive. Some symptoms can act as clues:
- • Difficulty conceiving despite trying for over a year.
- • Changes in sexual function such as a reduced sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection.
- • Pain, swelling or lumps in the testicles.
- • Decreased facial or body hair could signal hormonal issues.
- • Abnormal semen such as reduced volume or unusual texture.
If you notice these signs, seeking help from an infertility doctor in Kolkata is a good first step toward understanding and addressing the issue.
Male Infertility in Numbers
- • According to the World Health Organization (WHO) one in six couples faces fertility issues with male infertility playing a role in nearly half of these cases.
- • Studies indicate that India accounts for around 15% of global infertility cases with urban areas seeing a rise due to lifestyle changes.
- • Research suggests that in Kolkata more men are turning to modern treatments to overcome infertility challenges.
What’s Next? Hope Through Treatment
The good news is that male infertility is often treatable. Some of the most common male infertility treatments in Kolkata include:
Medications and Hormone Therapy
These are used to address hormonal imbalances or even treat infections that affect fertility.
Surgical Procedures
Conditions like varicocele can be corrected through surgery thereby improving sperm quality.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
- • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is directly placed into the uterus to improve chances of fertilisation.
- • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Sperm and eggs are combined in a lab and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus.
- • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single healthy sperm is injected into an egg to aid fertilisation.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes like quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress can make a big difference.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it’s time to consult an infertility doctor in Kolkata. They can guide you toward the right tests and treatments to improve your chances of starting a family.
Get in touch with us today!
Male infertility is a sensitive topic but one that deserves open conversations. Remember, you’re not alone—countless couples face similar challenges and find solutions with the help of modern medicine. If you’re in Kolkata, advanced treatments and experienced doctors are just a consultation away.