Male Infertility and IVF: Why More Men Are Turning to Assisted Reproduction

Male Infertility and IVF: Why More Men Are Turning to Assisted Reproduction

Infertility has long been seen as a “women’s problem”, but here’s the reality—male factor infertility is responsible for about 1 in 3 cases of infertility. Yet, many men hesitate to seek help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or fear of judgment.

The good news? IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and advanced reproductive techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) have given men more options than ever before. Whether it’s low sperm count, poor motility, or other challenges, assisted reproduction is breaking barriers and making fatherhood possible for millions.

Let’s dive into the causes, treatments, and latest solutions for male infertility—while tackling the stigma that prevents many men from getting the help they need.

The Hidden Struggle: Why Male Infertility is More Common Than You Think

Infertility is often portrayed as a woman’s battle, but here’s what the stats say:

✔ 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility 

✔ 30-50% of infertility cases involve male factor issues 

✔ In many cases, no obvious symptoms exist—men often don’t realize there’s a problem until they try to conceive

Despite these facts, most men are hesitant to seek help because of societal pressure and outdated beliefs about masculinity. But the truth is, male infertility has nothing to do with being "less of a man"—it’s a medical condition that can be treated.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Many factors can affect sperm health, including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Here are the most common causes:

1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

• Having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen
• Can be caused by hormonal imbalances, varicocele (swollen veins in the testicles), or genetic issues

2. Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia)

• Sperm that don’t swim well can’t reach and fertilize an egg
• Linked to lifestyle habits, infections, or oxidative stress

3. Abnormal Sperm Shape (Teratospermia)

• Sperm need a healthy shape (morphology) to penetrate an egg
• Can be caused by genetic defects, high fever exposure, or testicular trauma

4. Hormonal Imbalances

• Low testosterone or excess estrogen can affect sperm production
• Anabolic steroid use, obesity, and chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels

5. Lifestyle Factors That Harm Sperm

❌ Smoking and excessive alcohol use 

❌ High-stress levels 

❌ Poor diet and obesity 

❌ Overheating from laptops, hot tubs, or tight underwear

6. Medical Conditions That Impact Fertility

• Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the testicles that increase testicular temperature
• Infections: STIs or prostate infections can damage sperm quality
• Genetic Disorders: Some men have missing or abnormal Y chromosomes, affecting sperm production

How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing male infertility is a semen analysis, which evaluates:

✔ Sperm count (how many sperm are present) 

✔ Sperm motility (how well they swim)

✔ Sperm morphology (their shape and size)

Other diagnostic tests include:

• Hormone Testing: Measures testosterone, LH, FSH, and estrogen levels
• DNA Fragmentation Test: Checks for sperm DNA damage
• Ultrasound & Imaging: Identifies blockages or testicular abnormalities

If sperm count is extremely low or absent, a biopsy or sperm retrieval procedure may be needed.

IVF as a Solution for Male Infertility

For men with severe sperm issues, IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a game-changer.

How Does ICSI Work?

Unlike regular IVF (where sperm and eggs are combined in a dish), ICSI directly injects a single healthy sperm into an egg—making fertilization possible even with very low sperm count.

Who Needs ICSI? 

✔ Men with low sperm count 

✔ Men with poor sperm motility 

✔ Cases where sperm must be retrieved surgically

Success Rates of IVF + ICSI for Male Infertility

• ICSI increases fertilization rates to 70-80% per egg
• Live birth rates depend on egg quality (younger female partners = higher success)
• Multiple cycles may be needed, but it’s often the best option for severe male factor infertility

Sperm Retrieval Methods for IVF

For men with zero sperm in their semen (azoospermia) or blockages, sperm can still be retrieved using medical procedures:

✔ TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration): Directly extracts sperm from the testicles 

✔ PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): Retrieves sperm from the epididymis 

✔ MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): For men with vasectomy-related blockages

How Lifestyle Changes Can Improve IVF Success for Men

Men can significantly boost sperm quality before IVF by making key lifestyle changes:

✔ Eat fertility-boosting foods – Leafy greens, nuts, fish, and eggs 

✔ Take supplements – CoQ10, Zinc, vitamin D, and Folic Acid 

✔ Exercise regularly – Improves testosterone and circulation 

✔ Reduce stress – High cortisol levels harm sperm production 

✔ Quit smoking & alcohol – Proven to reduce sperm count and quality

Breaking the Stigma: The Emotional Impact of Male Infertility

Many men experience:

• Shame or guilt about fertility struggles
• Strained relationships due to stress
• Fear of judgment from family or society

But the truth is: Male infertility is a medical condition, not a reflection of masculinity. Seeking help isn’t a weakness—it’s a responsible decision that can lead to successful treatment.

Therapy, support groups, and open conversations can make a huge difference in coping with infertility.

The Future of Male Infertility Treatment

• AI-powered sperm selection for better fertilization rates
• Stem cell research for sperm regeneration
• Gene therapy to repair genetic defects causing infertility

With science advancing, fertility solutions for men will only improve in the coming years.

Final Thoughts: Can IVF Help Male Infertility?

✔ Yes! IVF (especially with ICSI) is one of the most effective solutions for male infertility 

✔ Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can improve success rates 

✔ There’s no shame in seeking treatment—fatherhood is possible with the right help