Understanding Male Factor Infertility & Treatment Options

Fertility Is a Shared Journey

When couples struggle to conceive, the focus often shifts immediately to the woman’s health. But in reality, male factor infertility is responsible for nearly 40–50% of fertility challenges. Despite how common it is, it often goes undiscussed — sometimes due to stigma, sometimes due to lack of awareness.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s fertility clinic in Lucknow, we offer complete infertility evaluations for both partners, including compassionate care and advanced treatments for male infertility. Our goal is to support you as a couple — because fertility is a shared journey, not a solo one.

What Is Male Factor Infertility?

Male infertility typically refers to any issue with a man’s sperm production, function, or delivery that reduces the chances of natural conception. Common causes include:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia)

• Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)

• Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)

• Blockages in the reproductive tract

• Hormonal imbalances

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

• Genetic factors or infections

• Lifestyle influences (smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity)

Some men have no symptoms until they undergo a semen analysis — the first and most important step in diagnosing male infertility.

How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

At our clinic, male fertility evaluation is done with care, privacy, and dignity. Testing may include:

• Semen analysis: Measures sperm count, motility, volume, and shape

• Hormonal tests: FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin

• Scrotal ultrasound: To detect varicocele or structural issues

• Genetic testing: If sperm count is extremely low or absent

• Medical history review: Including past infections, surgeries, or medications

The testing is straightforward, and results are discussed in detail with both partners, so treatment decisions can be made together.

Treatment Options for Male Infertility

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility, and at Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we offer both medical and assisted reproductive options, including advanced procedures.

1. Lifestyle and Medical Management

If the issue is mild or linked to modifiable factors like stress, poor diet, or smoking, we may begin with:

• Antioxidant supplements

• Hormonal medications

• Weight and stress management

• Lifestyle changes to improve sperm quality

This is often the first step for couples just starting their fertility journey.

2. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

In cases of mild male factor infertility, IUI may be a good first-line treatment. It involves processing and placing the best sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to improve the chances of fertilization.

3. IVF with ICSI

If sperm quality is poor or IUI has failed, IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is recommended. Here, a single healthy sperm is injected into each mature egg under a microscope — allowing fertilization even with very low sperm count or motility.

ICSI has revolutionized male infertility treatment, and success rates are encouraging — especially for couples who’ve struggled for years.

4. TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)

For men with zero sperm in semen (azoospermia), TESA is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to extract sperm directly from the testicles.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we offer the TESA procedure in Lucknow as part of our advanced fertility services. These retrieved sperm are then used in ICSI to help couples conceive successfully, even when natural sperm release is not possible.

Emotional Support Matters Too

Male infertility can affect self-esteem, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. At our clinic, we treat male patients with the same empathy and attention as we do female patients — because supporting both partners is essential to a successful fertility journey.

We provide:

• Private consultations

• Emotional counselling

• Clarity around each treatment step

• Respectful, stigma-free conversations

No one should feel ashamed to ask for help. Male fertility challenges are common — and they are very often treatable.

When to Seek Help

Couples should consider a fertility consultation if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if the woman is over 35)

• There’s a known history of male reproductive issues

• You’ve had prior surgeries, trauma, or infections

• Semen analysis shows abnormal results

• Irregular sexual function or hormone-related symptoms are present

Early intervention often leads to simpler, more effective solutions.