Breaking the taboo around men’s reproductive health

Relevance: GS Paper II 

Why in News?

As we grapple with the multifaceted challenges of global population dynamics, it is crucial to turn the spotlight on a subject often overshadowed in discussions on reproductive health: male infertility. Male infertility remains a stigmatised issue, shrouded in silence and with misconceptions. This neglect exacerbates the emotional and psychological toll on those who are affected and impedes progress towards effective solutions. 

Global and National Infertility Statistics:

• Global Infertility: In 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally, between 60 million to 80 million couples struggle with infertility.
• Infertility in India: While exact figures are unspecified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It is estimated that 13 to 19 million Indian couples may face infertility issues as per WHO’s data, with the incidence likely to increase due to factors such as environmental pollution and lifestyle changes.
• Male infertility accounts for 50% of all infertility cases in the country.

Causes of Male Infertility:

Male infertility can manifest in different ways, such as the absence of sperm, low sperm count, or low sperm motility. The causes include:

• Biological Factors:

• • Stress
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Genetic issues
  • Anatomical problems
  • Epigenetic factors
  • Exposure to infections

• External Factors:

• • Environmental pollution
  • Use of pesticides
  • Exposure to plastics and plasticisers

• Lifestyle Factors:

• Diet and sleep patterns
• Work schedules
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco
• Delayed marriages lead to declining sperm quality with age.

Solutions and Interventions

• Lifestyle Interventions:

• Education and Awareness: Awareness about reproductive health should start from secondary school and junior college, with parents, particularly fathers, playing a key role.
• Healthy Habits: Young men should adopt healthy eating and regular sleep patterns, and they should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants.
• Limiting Device Use: Reducing excessive use of mobile phones and laptops, particularly in close proximity to the body.
• Stress Management: Engaging in regular exercise, yoga, and meditation to manage stress.
• Couples' Health: Both partners should adopt healthy lifestyle practices to improve their reproductive health.

• Medical Treatments:

• Semen Analysis: A routine semen analysis after 2-7 days of sexual abstinence is recommended by WHO to diagnose the issue.
• Surgical Interventions: For physical or anatomical issues such as blocked sperm flow or undescended testicles.
• IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): For cases with absence of sperm.
• Donor Sperm Insemination or Adoption: Alternative options for couples facing severe male infertility. 
• In cases where the sperm count is very low, there is a chance for the couple to conceive naturally if sperm motility is very good.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), or ICSI: For cases with low sperm count and motility.
• Genetic Counseling: Important for infertility due to gene mutations before opting for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Conclusion:

With millions of couples in India facing infertility issues, there is an urgent need for open and informed discussions on reproductive health. It is time to recognise and address the significant issue of male reproductive health. Awareness building, sex education, and timely medical interventions are key to supporting couples on their journey to parenthood. By breaking the taboo surrounding male infertility and fostering a more informed and supportive environment, we can help many couples realise their dream of having children.