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Sexual health issues like ED, STIs, and hormonal imbalance impact male fertility. Learn causes, warning signs, and solutions from top IVF experts
Male infertility is not only about medical conditions but is deeply linked to lifestyle and environmental factors
Infertility is on the rise in India, yet conversations around male sexual health remain limited, often burdened by stigma, embarrassment, and misinformation. Experts stress that infertility is not just a woman’s concern, male sexual health plays a crucial role, and awareness is the first step toward solutions.
The Overlooked Factor: Male Sexual Health
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Dr Sulbha Arora, Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Andheri, Mumbai, highlights that male sexual health is often ignored in discussions on infertility. “Male sexual health issues influence male fertility, and conditions like hormonal imbalance, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can contribute to male infertility,” she explains.
According to Dr. Arora, if left untreated, these issues can lower the chances of conception significantly. “We observe at least 6 out of 10 couples coming in with male sexual health or male infertility issues,” she adds, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing these concerns early.
Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers
Male infertility is not only about medical conditions but is deeply linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. Dr. Arora points out that obesity, stress, smoking, poor diet, irregular sleep schedules, and lack of exercise all contribute to hormonal imbalance, which directly impacts reproductive health. The result can be a reduction in sperm count, poor sperm quality, and difficulties in conceiving.
She further warns that excessive exposure to heat from laptops and prolonged mobile phone usage has been linked to declining sperm motility and concentration. Left unchecked, some conditions, such as untreated infections or varicocele, may cause irreversible damage.
A Rising Concern Among Young Adults
Adding to this perspective, Dr. Varsha Agarwal, Consultant, Fertility & IVF Specialist, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Noida, observes that infertility is no longer limited to older couples. “Even young men and women in their 20s and 30s are struggling,” she says. “There is a surge in infertility and sexual health problems across the country.”
Dr. Agarwal stresses that silence around these issues only worsens the situation. “Couples often fail to discuss these problems, which can lead to miscommunication in relationships. A lack of awareness, combined with myths and social taboos, prevents timely action,” she explains.
She notes that male infertility contributes to nearly half of all infertility cases, while conditions such as erectile dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and untreated STIs in men—as well as PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles, or recurrent miscarriages in women—are also common.
Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Both experts emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Persistent loss of intimacy, pain, lack of sexual desire, irregular menstrual cycles, or pelvic pain should not be dismissed. Yet, due to fear of judgment, many couples delay seeking help.
“Many men who suffer from sexual health issues often feel embarrassed or fearful to seek medical information,” Dr. Arora points out. “This hesitation exacerbates existing problems and delays effective treatment.”
Dr. Agarwal adds, “Too many people ignore warning signs until the situation becomes serious. It is crucial to promote reproductive and sexual health and encourage open conversations for timely management of these issues.”
Modern Solutions for Parenthood
Fortunately, advancements in fertility treatments now offer hope to struggling couples. Dr Agarwal highlights options such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), fertility preservation for cancer patients, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). “It is necessary to seek the help of a fertility consultant for the appropriate procedure suitable for the couple and fulfill the dream of parenthood,” she advises.
Dr Arora echoes the importance of timely consultation. “If men recognize the link between sexual health and fertility, it provides insight into the measures needed to actively seek consultation, reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment, and improve their chances of fatherhood.”
Breaking the Stigma
Both specialists agree on one essential takeaway: infertility and sexual health issues must be spoken about openly, without shame. “We need to educate the public, create safe spaces for discussion, and eliminate stigma so that men feel empowered to seek medical assistance,” Dr. Arora emphasizes.
Dr. Agarwal concludes, “What we need most is awareness, open conversation, and breaking the stigma, so couples don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help.”
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 11, 2025, 18:37 IST
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