Male Infertility Myths Busted: Causes, Tests & Treatments Explained
Patient: Dr Malpani, I always thought infertility was mainly a woman’s issue. But I recently read that male infertility can be just as common. Is that true?
Dr Malpani: Absolutely. That’s a very important myth to bust. In fact, about 40% of infertility cases are caused by medical problems in the male partner. Unfortunately, male infertility has long been ignored — partly because of stigma and partly because society tends to unfairly blame women when a couple can’t conceive.
Patient: So has the awareness around male infertility improved today?
Dr Malpani: Yes, awareness is growing. Years ago, people rarely spoke about it — men avoided the subject to protect their egos, and women bore the brunt of the blame. Today, at least, the topic is being discussed more openly. Interestingly, in India’s male-dominated society, when a man is diagnosed with infertility, he often gets sympathy and support, whereas women are more likely to face criticism and rejection. That double standard still exists, but at least male infertility is no longer completely hidden.
Patient: Why is male infertility so difficult to diagnose and treat?
Dr Malpani: That’s an excellent question. The truth is, male infertility can be very challenging to evaluate.
- In many cases, doctors can’t find a specific cause.
- Treatments are often experimental, involving different medications tried over long periods — sometimes for years.
- If allopathic options don’t work, couples may turn to homoeopathy or Ayurveda, which prolongs the uncertainty.
This long and uncertain process can be incredibly frustrating for men.
Patient: So what’s the best approach?
Dr Malpani: The most effective resource we have is assisted reproductive techniques (ART)—such as ICSI, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. These can often bypass many male infertility problems.
But ART has its own challenges:
- Awareness is still low.
- Costs are high, and not all couples can afford them.
- Some families hesitate due to cultural or ethical concerns.
Patient: What are the main reasons for male infertility?
Dr Malpani: There are several possibilities:
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- Hypospadias (when the urethra opens in the wrong place and sperm can’t reach the vagina)
- Undescended testes (when one or both testes aren’t in the scrotum)
That’s why, when a couple is being tested for infertility, the man should always be tested first. Male tests are simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive compared to female investigations. A basic semen analysis is the starting point.
Patient: So the bottom line is that male infertility is common but not hopeless?
Dr Malpani: Exactly. Around 40% of infertility cases are linked to male factors , but modern techniques like ICSI can help many couples achieve conception. The key is to remove the stigma, talk openly, and ensure that men get tested early instead of assuming the problem always lies with the woman.