Infertility has been a concern through ages and is also a significant clinical problem today, which affects 8–12% of couples worldwide. 

Of all infertility cases, approximately 40–50% is due to “MALE FACTOR” infertility and as many as 2% of all men will exhibit suboptimal sperm parameters. 

It may be one or a combination of low sperm concentration, poor sperm motility, or abnormal morphology. The rates of infertility are markedly higher and infectious diseases are responsible for a greater proportion of infertility. 

Male Infertility – an Important factor

Male infertility refers to a male’s inability to result pregnancy in a fertile female. “Male factor” infertility is seen as an alteration in sperm concentration and/or motility and/or morphology in at least one sample of two sperm analyzes, collected 1 and 4 weeks apart. In humans, it accounts for 40-50% of infertility and affects approximately 7% of all men. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fecundity.

Semen analysis remains the single most useful and fundamental investigation with a sensitivity of 89.6%, that it is able to detect 9 out of 10 men with a genuine problem of male infertility. It is a simple test that assesses the formation and maturity of sperm as well as how the sperm interacts in the seminal fluid. It also provides insight not only on sperm production (count), but the sperm quality (motility, morphology) as well.

Normal Sperm Parameters :

• Volume : 2 ML or more
• Sperm concentration : 15 million spermatozoa/mL or more.
• Total sperm number : 39 million spermatozoa per ejaculate 
• Morphology : 4% normal forms 
• Vitality : 60% live or more  
• Progressive motility : 40% or more
• Total (progressive + nonprogressive motility) : 40% or more

• Based on these parameters we can’t conclude the fertility, even if all of these parameters meet in biological reference range, there can be various factors which may be effecting indirectly.

• Such as – Sedimentary life style, obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Erectile dysfunction, inability to maintain an erection to engage in proper coitus(SEX).
• Hormonal Imbalance – Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, LH & FSH.
• Age – yes age is also an important factor, as aging also cause degenerative changes in one’s body and organs.
• Combination of all of these factors are extremely difficult to cure, yet it is possible with proper medical advice.

Precautions 

• Decreasing weight, seeking regular lifestyle modifications.
• If Diabetic, getting your sugars regularly monitored.
• Erectile dysfunction usually requires medical attention.
• Hormonal imbalance is a serious situation which also requires medical attention.

Kindly note, never assume any of these indications by self-Diagnosis, it’s a medical situation which needs medical attention.

Conclusion 

Male infertility is an important cause of infertility with a strong impact on the psychology and physiology of couple. It can be due to several reasons. Also, the present literature reveals that its trend is increasing in India. Therefore, it’s the need of the hour to look into the factors which are causing such a rise in male infertility and attempts should be made to control such factors in near future.