BY ANJALI SINGH

Are you planning to have a baby and struggling with pregnancy? Have you ever wondered what could be the possible reasons for it? Women not being able to conceive are often targeted for fertility problems. A common perception of infertility in society is that it is mainly a woman’s issue. This may be because people are unaware of infertility in men. As women are more open about their fertility struggles while there is a stigma surrounding male infertility. But the fact is, about one-third of all infertility cases are due to male infertility. On the other hand, female fertility issues contribute to one-third of cases as well. And about 20% of cases involve fertility issues of both partners and 15% of infertility cases are unexplained. So, it’s not always the woman. 

About 1 in 7 couples are infertile. Knowing what causes infertility is essential. So women won’t be held responsible every time for not having the baby. Let’s take a few minutes to understand what male infertility is all about. 

Understanding Male Infertility

Infertility in men is a common issue. About one in 20 men can have fertility problems. Some many possible medical conditions and factors that could lead to infertility in men. To understand the causes, let us dig deeper.

Men need to combine their sperm with a woman’s egg to conceive. During sexual contact, the sperm is ejaculated from the testicles to the female reproductive tract. The most common cause that leads to infertility in men is related to sperms. Otherwise, it is hard to discover the cause.

Below are the common causes leading to male infertility:

1. Undescended Testicles

2. Low Sperm Counts

3. Blockages In Reproductive Organs

4. Hormone Imbalance

5. Infections

6. Certain Medications

Other reasons could be lifestyle factors or simply genetic. Most of the time, men stay unconcerned about their reproductive health. This sometimes leads to unawareness of the steps they can take to prevent infertility. Doctors advise them to get a semen analysis- measures the number, shape, and movement of sperm. This analysis diagnoses male infertility. 

Why do we assume the problem is ours ?

Why don’t we talk about male factor issues? We all are aware of the fact how female fertility issues get more attention than male factor issues. Even though fertility affects men and women equally. No one really believes that. If you are married and have been trying for a child in vain, the first thing is to get you checked out. But why ? We understand that conception and carrying the baby is all on us. But did we ever wonder that in order for conception to even take place the sperm has to do its job. We never consider that the sperm’s morphology may not assist fertilization. In which case, if fertilization of the egg doesn’t take place how do we expect to achieve a pregnancy.

So, next time someone tells you ” Your the woman, you should see a gynecologist” – remind them. Tell them that infertility is choosy and can choose either gender. It could be you but it could as easily be him as well. That being said, this also means that you should support your man if he is facing infertility. Judging him or blaming him through the process only makes you just like the world. Find peace in comforting one another in a non judgmental manner.

Remember, infertility is not an individual’s issue. It is a couple’s issue.