When a couple walks into a fertility clinic, the focus usually shifts immediately to the woman. Are her tubes open? How is her egg reserve? Is her uterus healthy?

The man is often just asked to "provide a sample" and wait in the lobby. This creates a massive misconception: that infertility is a "woman’s problem." The reality, however, is very different. Globally, Male factor infertility is involved in about 40–50% of infertility cases, either alone or along with female factors. At Karetrip, we believe it takes two to make a baby. Understanding the male side of the equation is not just about fairness—it is often the missing key to a successful pregnancy. This guide explains why men are just as important in the IVF process and the advanced technologies that are helping men become fathers against the odds.

Breaking the Stigma: It’s Not About "Virility"

First, let's address the elephant in the room. Many men feel embarrassed or emasculated by an infertility diagnosis. There is a false cultural belief that fertility equals masculinity.

The Fact: Sperm health is a medical issue, not a measure of manhood. It can be caused by genetics, past infections, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle factors. It has nothing to do with strength or performance. Acknowledging this is the first step toward finding a solution.

The "Big Three" of Male Fertility

When doctors analyse a semen sample, they look at three critical factors. If any one of these is "off," natural conception becomes difficult.

1. Count (Quantity)

You need enough soldiers for the battle. A low sperm count (Oligospermia) drastically reduces the chance of fertilisation.

2. Motility (Movement)

Sperm need to swim a long way. If they are sluggish or swimming in circles (Asthenospermia), they will never reach the egg.

3. Morphology (Shape)

A normal sperm has an oval head and a long tail. Poorly shaped sperm (Teratospermia) may not be able to penetrate the egg.

The Game Changer: IVF-ICSI

In the past, men with very low sperm counts had few options. Today, we have ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

How is it different from standard IVF?

Standard IVF

Thousands of sperm are placed in a dish with the egg, and the strongest one wins. This requires good sperm count and motility.

IVF with ICSI

The embryologist selects a single, healthy sperm under a high-powered microscope and injects it directly into the egg.

Why this matters: With ICSI, you don't need millions of sperm. You theoretically only need one healthy sperm to become a father. This technology has revolutionised treatment for severe male infertility.

ICSI allows fertilisation even with very low sperm counts, provided viable sperm are available

What Can Men Do to Improve Success?

While doctors handle the technical side, men can improve their "sperm quality" with lifestyle changes 90 days before the IVF cycle (since it takes about 3 months for new sperm to generate).

• Keep it Cool: Sperm production requires a temperature lower than body heat. Avoid hot .tubs, saunas, and keeping laptops directly on your lap.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages sperm DNA, which can lead to lower fertilization rates or even miscarriage.
• Limit Alcohol: Heavy drinking lowers testosterone and sperm quality.
• Antioxidants: Supplements like CoQ10, Zinc, and Vitamin C are often recommended to boost sperm health.

Conclusion: You Are in This Together

Infertility can strain a relationship, but it can also strengthen it. If you are a husband reading this, know that your role is active, not passive. Your health, your lifestyle, and your support matter just as much as your partner's. If you are a partner reading this, encourage him to get tested early.

Knowledge is the best antidote to fear. By understanding the male factor, couples can stop blaming themselves and start working as a team toward their goal. At Karetrip, we help patients understand symptoms early—before complications develop. We assist with:

• Connecting you to male fertility and IVF specialists.
• Diagnostic planning and second opinions.
• Medical visas, travel, and accommodation.
• End-to-end patient support.

Concerned about your fertility metrics or need a second opinion? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for clear guidance and next steps.

Medical Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog, including text, graphics, and images, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified fertility specialist with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Karetrip website or blog. Karetrip does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, or procedures mentioned herein. Reliance on any information provided by Karetrip is solely at your own risk.