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When a couple struggles to conceive, the first question people ask is often directed at the woman: "Have you seen a doctor?" "Is everything okay with you?" But what about him?
The truth is, male factors are responsible for nearly 40-50% of all infertility cases in India - and this number has risen by 20–25% over the last six years. Yet, male infertility remains one of the most under-diagnosed, under-discussed, and under-treated aspects of fertility care.
In Mumbai - a city where IVF success rates range between 40-60% for women under 35 - fertility specialists are increasingly seeing men as a critical part of the fertility equation. Over the last decade, male infertility has risen by nearly 20% across major Indian cities, with experts confirming that men now form at least 35-40% of the infertility equation.
If you're a couple trying to conceive, a man wondering about your fertility health, or someone who's been told "everything looks fine" but still can't conceive, this blog is for you.
Book your consultation with Goral Gandhi, Mumbai's leading IVF Consultant Embryologist
The surge in male infertility isn't a coincidence - it's a reflection of modern lifestyle, environmental factors, and delayed parenthood trends that are reshaping fertility across India.
Urban men in cities like Mumbai are marrying and starting families later than ever before. Career priorities, financial stability, and changing social norms mean the average age of first-time fathers is increasing - and with it, the risk of fertility issues.
Exposure to pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in urban environments is a major contributor to declining sperm quality.
Prolonged exposure to heat - from tight clothing, laptop use on the lap, and excessive sauna use — can impair sperm production.
Learn more about foods to include and avoid for optimal male fertility
Male infertility refers to a man's reduced ability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner. It's diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for at least one year (or six months if the woman is over 35) without success, and male factors are identified as a contributing cause.
A sperm count below 15 million per millilitre is considered low. This is one of the most common causes of male infertility.
Even with a normal sperm count, if sperm can't swim effectively toward the egg, fertilisation becomes difficult.
Abnormally shaped sperm struggle to penetrate and fertilise the egg.
A condition where the genetic material within sperm becomes damaged - one of the most significant yet underdiagnosed contributors to male infertility. This is particularly relevant in 2026, as predictive tools and testing for sperm DNA fragmentation are becoming more accessible to Indian men.
In some cases, no sperm is present in the semen at all. This requires specialised diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Curious about whether you should get a fertility check? Learn when to get tested
If male infertility is suspected, your doctor will recommend a series of tests to identify the underlying cause.
This is the first and most important test. It evaluates:
Blood tests measure hormone levels like testosterone, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinising Hormone), and prolactin - all of which play a role in sperm production.
In cases of severe male infertility or very low sperm counts, genetic testing may be recommended to check for chromosomal abnormalities.
This imaging test checks for varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), blockages, or other structural issues.
This advanced test measures the integrity of sperm DNA - a critical factor in fertilisation, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes.
The good news is that male infertility is often treatable. Depending on the cause, your fertility specialist may recommend:
Explore foods that support optimal male fertility health
Sperm is washed and directly placed into the uterus during ovulation. This is often recommended for mild male factor infertility.
Goral Gandhi offers IUI treatment at her Mumbai clinic
Eggs are retrieved from the woman and fertilised with sperm in the laboratory. This is suitable for moderate to severe male factor infertility.
Learn about IVF costs and treatment options
A single healthy sperm is directly injected into each egg. ICSI has revolutionised treatment for severe male factor infertility and is one of Goral Gandhi's areas of expertise.
For men with azoospermia (no sperm in semen), sperm can sometimes be retrieved directly from the testicles through surgical procedures.
Explore Goral Gandhi's full range of fertility services
Many couples don't realise that the embryologist plays a crucial role in treating male factor infertility. At Goral Gandhi's clinic, advanced embryology techniques are used to maximise the chances of successful fertilisation — even when sperm quality is compromised.
Read what couples say about their experience with Goral Gandhi
Mumbai is home to some of India's most advanced IVF clinics, with success rates between 40–60% for women under 35. But what sets Goral Gandhi apart?
Goral Gandhi has extensive experience in all Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) techniques, including ICSI, which is particularly valuable for male factor infertility.
Her expertise extends to egg freezing, cryopreservation, and vitrification - cutting-edge technologies that benefit couples dealing with fertility challenges.
Through the International School for Reproductive Medicine and Embryology (ISRME), Goral Gandhi has trained over 600 embryologists and clinicians from 18 countries.
Goral believes in rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach. She designs customised treatment plans based on each couple's unique medical history, emotional needs, and lifestyle factors.
Her independent consulting services allow couples being treated elsewhere to benefit from her expertise, second opinions, and guidance.
Through Goral Gandhi's consulting and guidance, over 15,000 couples worldwide have achieved IVF success. Her 5-star Google reviews reflect the trust patients place in her expertise.
Book your consultation at Goral Gandhi's clinic in Wadala, Mumbai
Don't wait a year to get tested. If you've been trying to conceive for six months without success, it's time to see a specialist.
Chronic stress affects hormone levels and sperm quality. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or seek professional counselling if needed.
Limit exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Use protective gear if you work in environments with chemical exposure.
Obesity is linked to lower sperm counts and hormonal imbalances. A balanced diet and regular exercise can make a significant difference.
Tight underwear and clothing can increase scrotal temperature, which may impair sperm production.
Need personalised advice on improving male fertility? Consult Goral Gandhi today
