By Dr Dipesh Sorathiya
Infertility & IVF Specialist
Jan 05, 2026
Male infertility is a topic shrouded in misconceptions, stigma, and outdated beliefs. Despite contributing to nearly half of all infertility cases, male factor infertility remains poorly understood by the general public. These misconceptions can delay diagnosis, prevent couples from seeking appropriate treatment, and add unnecessary emotional burden to an already challenging situation.
Understanding the facts about male infertility is crucial for anyone trying to conceive or concerned about their reproductive health. Let's explore and debunk the most common myths surrounding male fertility.
Fact: Male factor infertility accounts for approximately 40-50% of all infertility cases. In about 20-30% of cases, both male and female factors contribute to difficulty conceiving. This means men are just as likely as women to be the reason a couple struggles with fertility.
Despite these statistics, there's a persistent cultural assumption that fertility issues are primarily a woman's concern. This misconception often leads to women undergoing extensive testing and treatment before male factors are even evaluated. Medical professionals now recommend that both partners be evaluated simultaneously when a couple experiences difficulty conceiving, saving time, money, and emotional stress.
Fact: Sexual function and fertility are completely separate issues. A man can have normal sexual desire, achieve and maintain erections, and ejaculate normally while still having significant fertility problems. Conversely, some men with erectile dysfunction or other sexual challenges may have perfectly healthy sperm.
Fertility depends on the quality, quantity, and motility of sperm, none of which are visible or apparent during sexual activity. The only way to accurately assess male fertility is through a semen analysis performed by a medical laboratory. Many men are surprised to learn they have fertility issues because they've never experienced any symptoms or problems with sexual performance.
Fact: Many cases of male infertility can be successfully treated or managed. Treatment options have expanded significantly in recent years and include medication for hormonal imbalances, surgery to correct varicoceles or blockages, lifestyle modifications to improve sperm quality, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI, and treatment of underlying infections or health conditions.
The success of treatment depends on the underlying cause of infertility. Some conditions respond better to treatment than others. In cases where natural conception remains unlikely, assisted reproductive technologies have made biological fatherhood possible for many men who would have had no options in previous generations.
Fact: While men can produce sperm throughout their lives, male fertility does decline with age. Research shows that sperm quality, quantity, and motility decrease as men get older, typically becoming more noticeable after age 40. Older paternal age is associated with increased time to conception, higher miscarriage rates, increased risk of certain genetic conditions in offspring, and decreased success rates with assisted reproductive technologies.
The biological clock isn't exclusive to women. Men concerned about future fertility should be aware that while the decline is more gradual than in women, age does matter when it comes to male reproductive health and the health of potential children.
Fact: While heat exposure can temporarily affect sperm production, the impact of tight underwear and laptop use on fertility is often overstated. These factors may contribute to slightly reduced sperm quality in some men, but they're rarely the primary cause of infertility.
That said, prolonged exposure to heat can affect sperm production. The testicles are positioned outside the body because sperm production requires a temperature slightly lower than normal body temperature. Frequent exposure to hot tubs, saunas, or other heat sources may temporarily reduce sperm count. However, once heat exposure is reduced, sperm production typically returns to normal within a few months. If you're concerned about fertility, making moderate lifestyle adjustments makes sense, but don't overlook more significant medical evaluations based on these minor factors alone.
Fact: Previous infections can have lasting effects on male fertility. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause scarring and blockages in the reproductive tract even after successful treatment. Mumps infection after puberty can damage the testicles and impair sperm production. Other infections and inflammations of the reproductive organs can create lasting fertility issues.
This is why sexual health and prompt treatment of infections are important not just for immediate health but for long-term fertility as well. Regular STI testing, safe sex practices, and appropriate vaccination (such as for mumps) can help protect future fertility.
Fact: Lifestyle choices have a profound impact on sperm quality and male fertility. Research consistently demonstrates that several modifiable factors affect reproductive health. Smoking decreases sperm count and motility, and increases DNA damage in sperm. Excessive alcohol consumption reduces testosterone levels and impairs sperm production. Obesity is associated with hormonal imbalances and reduced sperm quality. A poor diet lacking essential nutrients affects sperm health. Chronic stress impacts hormone levels and sexual function. Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals can damage sperm.
The positive news is that lifestyle modifications can lead to measurable improvements in sperm parameters within a few months. Since sperm production takes approximately 72 days, changes you make today can positively impact your fertility in about three months.
Fact: While supplements aren't a cure-all, certain vitamins and minerals do play important roles in male reproductive health. Research supports the beneficial effects of antioxidants like vitamin C and E to protect sperm from oxidative damage, zinc for sperm production and testosterone levels, folic acid for sperm DNA integrity, selenium for sperm motility and morphology, and coenzyme Q10 for energy production in sperm.
However, it's important to note that supplements should complement, not replace, a healthy diet and medical treatment when needed. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some supplements can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for certain health conditions.
Fact: This is actually the opposite of the truth. Anabolic steroids and testosterone replacement therapy can severely impair or completely shut down sperm production. When external testosterone or steroids are introduced into the body, the brain receives signals that a good amount of testosterone is present and stops stimulating the testicles to produce their own testosterone and sperm.
Men who have used anabolic steroids for bodybuilding or athletic performance may experience long-lasting or even permanent fertility issues. Similarly, testosterone replacement therapy, while helpful for symptoms of low testosterone, is contraindicated for men trying to conceive. If you're on testosterone therapy and want to have children, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor that maintain testosterone levels without suppressing sperm production.
Fact: While not all causes of male infertility are preventable, many risk factors can be modified or avoided. Protective measures include maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, managing chronic health conditions like diabetes, protecting the testicles from injury during sports and activities, avoiding prolonged heat exposure to the groin area, limiting exposure to environmental toxins and pesticides, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms, getting regular medical checkups and addressing health issues promptly, and practicing safe sex to prevent infections. Early awareness and proactive health management can preserve fertility and prevent some of the common causes of male reproductive issues.
Understanding your fertility: Taking the first step
If you've been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if your partner is over 35), both partners should undergo fertility evaluations. For men, this typically begins with a comprehensive semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology, and other important parameters.
Male infertility evaluation is straightforward, non-invasive, and relatively inexpensive compared to many female fertility tests. There's no reason to delay testing due to embarrassment or misconceptions. Fertility specialists and urologists who specialise in male reproductive health are accustomed to these concerns and provide confidential, professional care.
Perhaps the most damaging myth about male infertility is the stigma that surrounds it. Many men feel that fertility issues reflect on their masculinity or worth as a partner. This couldn't be further from the truth. Fertility is a medical issue, not a measure of manhood.
Open communication between partners about fertility concerns, challenges, and treatment options is essential. Many couples find that facing fertility issues together, rather than in isolation, strengthens their relationship and provides mutual support through a difficult journey.
Male infertility is common, often treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. By separating myths from facts, men can make informed decisions about their reproductive health, seek appropriate medical care when needed, and take proactive steps to protect their fertility.
If you have concerns about your fertility, don't let misconceptions prevent you from seeking help. Consult with a healthcare provider who specialises in male reproductive health. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, and understanding the facts puts you in the best position to achieve your family planning goals.
Remember, fertility challenges affect millions of couples, and you're not alone. With accurate information, appropriate medical care, and support, many men with fertility issues go on to become fathers.
