Is Male Infertility Rising? Causes, Research Findings and Treatment Options

Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi Explains the Changing Landscape of Male Reproductive Health in India and the Importance of Early Fertility Evaluation

Published: 12 October 2026
Category: Health News | Male Infertility | Men's Health | Sexual & Reproductive Health
Presented by: Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi, Founder & Chief Physician, Saira Health Care

Watch the Educational Video:
https://youtu.be/TmpytkOG7jc

Saira Health Care Raises Awareness About the State of Male Fertility in India

Male fertility is increasingly being recognized as an important subject in public health discussions across India. Concerns about sperm quality, reproductive disorders, changing lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and delayed parenthood have highlighted the need for better awareness and timely medical evaluation.

To increase public understanding of these issues, Saira Health Care has released a new educational video titled "State of Male Fertility in India," featuring Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi, Founder & Chief Physician of Saira Health Care.

The video addresses male reproductive health, the factors associated with infertility, and the importance of understanding sperm count, sperm motility, hormonal health, and other aspects of male fertility.

Male infertility should not be regarded merely as an individual or family concern. It is a medical condition that can have physical, psychological, emotional, and social consequences.

A major challenge is that many men remain unaware of potential fertility problems until they experience difficulty achieving pregnancy with their partner.

Through this educational initiative, Saira Health Care aims to encourage informed discussions, reduce stigma, and promote early identification of potentially treatable reproductive health conditions.

Understanding Male Fertility and Male Infertility

Male fertility refers to a man's biological ability to contribute to conception through the production and delivery of functional sperm capable of fertilizing an egg.

Successful male reproductive function involves several interconnected processes, including sperm production within the testes, hormonal regulation, sperm maturation, transportation through the reproductive tract, and ejaculation.

Disruption of any of these processes may affect fertility.

Male infertility is generally suspected when a couple cannot achieve pregnancy despite 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Earlier evaluation is appropriate in certain circumstances, particularly when the female partner is aged 35 years or older or either partner has a known fertility-related condition.

Male-related reproductive problems may include:

• Oligospermia (Oligozoospermia): Lower-than-expected sperm concentration.
• Azoospermia: Absence of sperm in the ejaculate, confirmed through appropriate laboratory examination.
• Asthenozoospermia: Reduced sperm motility.
• Teratozoospermia: A lower proportion of sperm with normal morphology.
• Varicocele: Abnormally enlarged veins around the testicle that may affect testicular function.
• Hormonal Disorders: Abnormalities involving testosterone, FSH, LH, or other hormones.
• Reproductive Tract Obstruction: Blockage preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
• Ejaculatory and Sexual Disorders: Conditions that interfere with sperm delivery.

An important medical distinction is that an abnormal semen parameter does not always establish infertility. Results must be interpreted alongside medical history, examination, other test findings, and the reproductive health of both partners.

What Does Scientific Research Say About Male Fertility in India?

A Global Reproductive Health Concern

According to a World Health Organization report published in April 2023, approximately 17.5% of adults worldwide experience infertility at some point during their lifetime.

This is equivalent to approximately one in six adults.

These figures relate to infertility across the population and should not be interpreted as the prevalence of male infertility alone.

The findings demonstrate the considerable worldwide need for accessible reproductive healthcare, appropriate diagnostic services, and affordable treatment.

Are Sperm Counts Declining?

International studies have raised concerns about long-term changes in sperm concentration.

A major systematic review and meta-regression published in Human Reproduction Update examined data collected between 1973 and 2018. The researchers reported a substantial decline in average sperm concentration among men not selected according to fertility status.

However, population-level sperm-count trends do not directly establish changes in pregnancy rates, and such studies have methodological limitations.

What Do Indian Studies Show?

The evidence regarding sperm-quality trends in India is not entirely consistent.

A 2018 systematic review examining Indian semen-analysis studies published over several decades reported a declining trend in some sperm-quality measurements, particularly in pooled analyses.

In contrast, a study published in October 2025 examined semen-analysis records from 12,151 men attending fertility evaluation at a centre in southern India, covering the years 2006–2022. Researchers found no significant temporal decline in sperm concentration, total sperm number, motility, vitality, or morphology across the study period.

These differences are important.

India is a geographically and demographically diverse country, and findings from selected hospitals or infertility clinics cannot automatically be generalized to every Indian man.

The scientific conclusion is that male reproductive health requires greater attention, but a precise nationwide decline in sperm count cannot be established from the available studies alone.

Additional high-quality, population-based research is needed to understand national and regional patterns.

Major Factors Affecting Male Fertility in India

Several medical, environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors may influence sperm production or male reproductive function.

1. Smoking and Tobacco Consumption

Cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco exposure are associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Tobacco smoke contains numerous potentially harmful substances that can contribute to oxidative stress and may affect sperm concentration, motility, and DNA integrity.

Men planning fatherhood are encouraged to stop smoking and avoid tobacco use.

2. Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

Excess body weight can affect reproductive hormones, metabolism, and overall health.

Obesity is associated with changes in testosterone regulation and may contribute to reduced sperm quality in some men.

Conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome may also affect sexual function and reproductive health.

Maintaining an appropriate body weight and managing underlying metabolic disorders are important components of general fertility care.

3. Stress, Sleep, and Lifestyle

Chronic psychological stress, inadequate sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle patterns may negatively influence general health and sexual well-being.

Stress may also affect sexual desire, erectile function, relationships, and the experience of infertility.

However, stress should not automatically be assumed to be the primary cause of an abnormal semen analysis.

A complete medical evaluation remains important.

4. Environmental and Occupational Exposure

Researchers continue to investigate the potential reproductive effects of air pollution, pesticides, industrial chemicals, endocrine-disrupting substances, and certain workplace exposures.

Some exposures have been associated with altered semen parameters, but findings vary, and individual causation can be difficult to establish.

Men working with pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, or other potentially hazardous materials should follow occupational safety measures and discuss relevant exposure histories with their clinicians.

5. Varicocele

Varicocele is one of the more common potentially correctable conditions associated with male infertility.

It involves enlarged veins in the scrotum and may be associated with impaired sperm production or testicular function.

Not every varicocele requires treatment. Management depends on clinical findings, semen results, symptoms, and reproductive goals.

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Sperm production depends on hormonal signals involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes.

Important hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.

Abnormalities in these hormones can help identify particular causes of impaired sperm production.

However, hormone tests should be selected and interpreted according to the individual's clinical presentation.

7. Genetic and Congenital Conditions

Some men experience infertility due to genetic abnormalities, chromosomal conditions, or congenital reproductive tract disorders.

Certain patients with severe oligospermia or azoospermia may require specialist genetic evaluation.

Such cases may need reproductive counselling and discussion of assisted reproductive options.

8. Unsupervised Hormonal Medicines and Anabolic Steroids

An especially important concern is the use of testosterone injections, anabolic steroids, or performance-enhancing drugs without appropriate medical supervision.

External testosterone can suppress the hormonal signals necessary for normal sperm production, potentially resulting in markedly reduced sperm counts or azoospermia.

Men who are trying to conceive should not begin testosterone treatment without discussing fertility implications with an appropriately qualified clinician.

Why Semen Analysis Is Important

A semen analysis is one of the fundamental investigations used during the initial evaluation of male fertility.

It provides information about sperm production and several characteristics of the ejaculate.

Important measurements include:

Sperm Concentration: The number of sperm per millilitre of semen.

Total Sperm Count: The total number of sperm in the ejaculate.

Sperm Motility: The proportion of sperm capable of movement.

Progressive Motility: The proportion of sperm moving forward effectively.

Sperm Morphology: The percentage of sperm meeting established laboratory criteria for normal shape.

Semen Volume: The total amount of semen produced during ejaculation.

A semen analysis must be performed and interpreted using appropriate laboratory standards.

Because semen parameters vary between samples, an abnormal result may need confirmation through repeat testing.

A report showing low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology should not lead to panic or self-medication.

Instead, it should be considered a starting point for further medical evaluation when indicated.

When Should Men Seek a Fertility Evaluation?

Men should consider seeking professional medical advice in the following circumstances:

• Pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
• The female partner is 35 years or older and pregnancy has not occurred after six months.
• A semen analysis shows significantly abnormal results.
• There is a history of undescended testes, testicular injury, surgery, or infection.
• A varicocele has been diagnosed.
• There are symptoms suggesting hormonal abnormalities.
• The individual has used testosterone or anabolic steroids.
• There is a known genetic or reproductive condition.
• Either partner has previously experienced infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.

Male and female partners should generally be evaluated together because reproductive difficulties may involve one partner or both.

Can Male Infertility Be Treated?

The treatment of male infertility depends on the underlying cause.

Some causes are potentially reversible or medically manageable, while others require specialized reproductive assistance.

Appropriate management may involve lifestyle modification, treatment of underlying medical conditions, selected hormonal therapies, surgical correction of clinically significant abnormalities, or assisted reproductive technologies.

In certain circumstances, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be considered.

For some men with azoospermia, specialist assessment may identify possibilities for sperm retrieval, depending on the underlying condition.

However, no treatment should be presented as universally successful.

Treatment decisions require individual evaluation, and outcomes vary according to sperm production, underlying diagnosis, partner-related factors, and other medical circumstances.

Role of Unani Medicine in Male Reproductive Wellness

Unani medicine has a long tradition of addressing general health, nutrition, lifestyle, and reproductive well-being.

Within the Unani medical system, practitioners consider individual constitution, dietary habits, sleep, physical activity, and broader aspects of health.

At Saira Health Care, the Unani approach forms part of the clinic's professional practice and patient education concerning sexual and reproductive health.

Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi emphasizes the importance of considering the patient's complete medical history, symptoms, investigations, and individual requirements before recommending an approach to care.

Traditional interventions may be discussed in the context of overall health and well-being. However, high-quality clinical evidence remains limited for many Unani formulations claimed to improve sperm count, motility, or fertility outcomes.

Unani or herbal medicines should not be presented as proven cures for genetic infertility, reproductive tract obstruction, or severe sperm-production disorders without adequate scientific evidence.

Patients should also be aware that herbal products can have side effects or interact with other medicines.

Responsible reproductive healthcare combines accurate diagnosis, realistic counselling, attention to overall health, and referral for appropriate specialist treatment when necessary.

Practical Steps That May Support Male Reproductive Health

Men who are planning fatherhood can take several sensible measures to support their general and reproductive health.

These include maintaining a balanced diet, achieving a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, limiting or avoiding alcohol, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing conditions such as diabetes.

Men should also avoid anabolic steroids and recreational drugs and discuss potentially fertility-affecting prescription medicines with their clinicians.

Occupational safety precautions are particularly important for individuals regularly exposed to hazardous chemicals.

There is no single food, supplement, or lifestyle change that guarantees increased sperm production or pregnancy.

Healthy habits can support general well-being and may benefit some fertility-related parameters, but they should not replace appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Why Male Fertility Awareness Matters in India

Despite increasing public discussion about reproductive healthcare, infertility continues to carry social and emotional stigma.

In many families, difficulty achieving pregnancy has historically been discussed primarily in relation to women's reproductive health.

This overlooks the important contribution of male-related factors to infertility.

Both partners deserve respectful, confidential, and evidence-based care.

Greater male fertility awareness may help encourage timely medical consultations, improve understanding of semen-analysis results, reduce misinformation, and support couples in making informed reproductive decisions.

It can also help counter misleading advertisements promising guaranteed sperm-count improvement or permanent infertility cures without sufficient supporting evidence.

Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi Highlights the Importance of Male Fertility Education

Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi, Founder & Chief Physician of Saira Health Care, has a focused clinical practice in sexual disorders and infertility.

His professional education and training include BUMS from Hamdard University, Delhi; MD; CGO; a Certificate in Infertility from MGBIMS, Delhi; a Certificate in Urology from London, UK; a Masters in Male Infertility programme from Healthpro; and training in Integrated Sexual & Reproductive Health through UNFPA.

Through clinical consultation and public educational initiatives, Dr. Qasmi works to improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health concerns.

The newly released video on the State of Male Fertility in India is part of Saira Health Care's continuing effort to promote responsible health education.

The central message is clear:

Male fertility deserves medical attention, scientific understanding, early evaluation, and freedom from unnecessary stigma.

Watch the New Video: State of Male Fertility in India

Saira Health Care invites patients, couples planning pregnancy, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to watch the latest educational video.

Video Topic: State of Male Fertility in India
Presented by: Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi
Channel: Saira Health Care

Watch Here:
https://youtu.be/TmpytkOG7jc

Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the official Saira Health Care YouTube channel for regular educational discussions on infertility, sexual disorders, sperm health, reproductive hormones, and men's health.

About Saira Health Care

Saira Health Care is a healthcare establishment focused on sexual disorders, infertility, and related reproductive health concerns, with an emphasis on Unani medical practice, patient education, and individualized consultation.

Under the leadership of Dr. Nizamuddin Qasmi, the clinic seeks to promote greater awareness of reproductive health and encourage patients to obtain professional evaluation before starting treatment.

For More Information

Official Website:
https://sairahealthcare.com/

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Conclusion: Understanding Male Fertility Is the First Step Towards Better Reproductive Health

The state of male fertility in India deserves continuing scientific investigation, healthcare attention, and public discussion.

Although several studies have raised concerns about sperm quality, findings are not uniform, and more representative research is needed to determine the extent of national changes.

For individuals experiencing fertility difficulties, the most important action is to obtain an appropriate diagnosis rather than relying on assumptions or unverified remedies.

By encouraging early semen analysis, responsible healthcare decisions, healthy lifestyles, and treatment based on individual causes, India can take meaningful steps towards improving male reproductive healthcare.

Saira Health Care remains committed to advancing awareness of male reproductive health through patient education and professional consultation.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is published for general public education and awareness only. It does not constitute an individualized diagnosis, treatment prescription, or guarantee of reproductive outcomes.

Infertility may result from male factors, female factors, or a combination of both. Appropriate evaluation should be performed by qualified healthcare professionals.

Traditional, herbal, and Unani preparations have varying levels of clinical evidence and should not replace established diagnostic investigations or indicated medical treatment.