Common causes of male infertility

• 1

  Varicocele

  Enlarged veins within the scrotum, one of the most common and treatable causes of male infertility.

• 2

  Hormonal imbalances

  Affecting sperm production and quality.

• 3

  Genetic conditions

  That can affect sperm count or function.

• 4

  Lifestyle factors

  Smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, chronic stress, and prolonged heat exposure can all negatively affect sperm production and quality.

• 5

  Age-related decline

  Sperm quality can decline gradually with age, similar to female fertility.

Diagnosis: semen analysis and beyond

A semen analysis is the essential first step in evaluating male fertility, and is recommended for every couple experiencing difficulty conceiving — not just when female factors have already been ruled out. It looks at several specific measures:

• Oligozoospermia — a lower than typical sperm count.
• Azoospermia — the complete absence of sperm in the semen.
• Asthenozoospermia — reduced sperm motility, meaning fewer sperm are moving effectively.
• Teratozoospermia — a higher proportion of abnormally shaped sperm.

Depending on the results, further testing — hormonal blood work, genetic testing, or imaging — may be recommended to pinpoint the underlying cause.

Treatment approach

• 1

  Treating the underlying cause where possible

  For example, varicocele repair, or lifestyle changes for factors like smoking, alcohol, or obesity.

• 2

  ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

  For cases where natural conception or IUI is unlikely to succeed, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg during IVF. Read more about ICSI →

• 3

  Surgical sperm retrieval

  For cases of azoospermia, sperm can sometimes be retrieved directly for use in ICSI.

Care for both partners, under one roof

Infertility often involves factors from both partners, not just one. Because Dr. Shirisha evaluates and treats both male and female fertility directly, your care stays coordinated with one specialist who has the full picture — rather than being split between separate clinics for each partner.