Can a man be infertile without knowing it? This question might surprise many, but the reality is that male infertility often has no obvious symptoms. In India, infertility is commonly seen as a woman’s issue, yet male infertility contributes to nearly half of all cases where couples struggle to conceive. Misconceptions prevent many men from seeking timely medical advice, leading to unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Let’s break down the myths about infertility and uncover the facts & myths about infertility that every couple should know.
Myth 1: Infertility is a female problem
Fact: Male infertility is a major contributing factor in about 40–50% of cases.
Both men and women can experience fertility challenges. Male infertility can be caused by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances or genetic conditions. A semen analysis is often the first step in diagnosing the issue.
Myth 2: Male age doesn’t matter
Fact: Sperm quality declines with age, affecting fertility.
While men can produce sperm throughout their lives, the quantity and quality decrease after 40. Older sperm are more likely to have DNA damage, which can impact embryo development and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Myth 3: Virility and fertility are the same
Fact: A man can have a strong sex drive and still be infertile.
Sexual performance and sperm health are not directly linked. A man may have a high libido and no issues with erections but still have poor sperm quality or low sperm count, making conception difficult.
Myth 4: A low sperm count means no chance of having a baby
Fact: Conception is possible even with a lower sperm count.
Men with low sperm counts can still father children naturally, but it might take longer. In some cases, assisted reproductive techniques like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) can help.
Myth 5: Cycling or using a laptop can destroy sperm
Fact: Heat exposure can impact sperm, but moderate use is not harmful.
Long-term exposure to heat from tight cycling shorts or placing a laptop on the lap for extended periods may slightly reduce sperm quality. However, moderate cycling or laptop use has not been proven to cause infertility.
Myth 6: Male infertility is always permanent
Fact: Many causes of male infertility are treatable.
Lifestyle changes, medications or medical procedures can improve fertility in many cases. Treatments such as hormonal therapy, varicocele surgery or assisted reproductive technologies can significantly increase the chances of conception.
Myth 7: Men cannot be infertile without obvious symptoms
Fact: Most men with fertility issues have no noticeable symptoms.
Unlike some female infertility issues that come with irregular periods or pain, male infertility often goes unnoticed until a couple starts trying for a baby. A semen analysis is necessary to determine sperm health.
Myth 8: Stress has no impact on male fertility
Fact: Chronic stress can lower sperm quality.
Long-term stress affects hormone production, including testosterone levels, which play a key role in sperm production. Managing stress through exercise, meditation or counselling can support reproductive health.
Myth 9: Supplements can instantly improve male fertility
Fact: No single supplement guarantees improved fertility.
While some vitamins and minerals (like zinc, vitamin C and folic acid) support sperm production, there is no magic pill that can instantly boost fertility. A balanced diet, healthy weight and regular exercise are more effective in the long run. Consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
Myth 10: Having regular intercourse enhances fertility
Fact: Timing is more important than frequency.
The best chance of conception occurs when intercourse happens during the woman’s ovulation window. Since an egg survives only 24 hours, daily intercourse outside this timeframe does not increase the chances of pregnancy. Doctors typically recommend intercourse every two days during the fertile period.
Advanced Testing for Male Fertility
In cases where standard semen analysis does not reveal clear answers, advanced tests like the SCSA® (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) test can provide deeper insights. This test measures sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI), which plays a crucial role in successful fertilisation and embryo development. A high DFI score can indicate a lower chance of conception, even if sperm count appears normal.
At Andrology Center in Coimbatore, the only authorised lab in India to conduct the SCSA® test, men can receive a precise diagnosis which can assist fertility specialists in recommending personalised treatments.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a complex issue surrounded by misinformation. By debunking male infertility myths, we encourage men to take charge of their reproductive health. If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, seeking expert guidance early can make all the difference.
For accurate diagnosis and specialised care, Andrology Center in Coimbatore offers world-class male fertility testing, including the SCSA® Test for DNA fragmentation. Besides this test method, we also conduct both manual and AI semen analysis and correlated blood and hormone testing.
Understanding the truth about male fertility is the first step towards successful parenthood.
