Infertility is often framed as a women’s issue, but global data tells a different story. According to the World Health Organization, almost 50% of infertility cases involve male factors. Orchid Fertility Dubai is urging a shift in perception, encouraging men to recognize early signs, understand risk factors, and seek timely support to protect their fertility.
Dr. Rozh Jalil, Consultant Urologist & Andrologist at Orchid Fertility, notes that many factors affecting male fertility develop quietly. “Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hormonal imbalances have a deeper impact on sperm health than most men realize,” he says. “Early signs—changes in libido, weaker erections, fatigue, reduced muscle strength, or mood fluctuations—may seem like general health issues but often reflect testosterone and reproductive function.”
Diabetes and Male Fertility
Diabetes is a significant yet often overlooked contributor to male infertility. High blood sugar can disrupt testosterone production, damage nerves and blood vessels affecting erections, and increase oxidative stress, reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Elevated glucose levels also correlate with higher sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to lower fertilization rates and poorer embryo quality. Dr. Jalil emphasizes that early management through lifestyle changes or medication can significantly improve reproductive outcomes.
Testicular Health Awareness
Beyond chronic conditions, men often miss warning signs related to testicular health. “Testicular cancer, though uncommon, is the most frequent cancer among young men aged 15 to 40,” says Dr. Jalil. “Early detection starts with a simple monthly self-exam.”
Men are advised to gently roll each testicle between thumb and fingers after a warm shower, checking for lumps, firmness, swelling, or size changes. A “bag of worms” sensation may indicate a varicocele, a common and treatable cause of infertility. “If something feels unusual, don’t wait. Early diagnosis improves survival and preserves fertility,” Dr. Jalil adds.
Comprehensive Fertility Evaluation at Orchid
Orchid Fertility begins male fertility assessment with semen analysis, evaluating sperm count, motility, and morphology. Even minor abnormalities can signal deeper hormonal or genetic issues. Comprehensive hormonal panels—including testosterone, LH, FSH, and prolactin—help determine whether sperm production problems originate in the testicles or the brain’s signaling pathway.
For men with low sperm counts, recurrent pregnancy loss, or suspected genetic conditions, Orchid conducts advanced tests such as karyotyping, Y-chromosome microdeletion testing, and CFTR mutation analysis. Additional diagnostics include computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), sperm DNA fragmentation testing, oxidative stress assessment, high-resolution scrotal Doppler imaging, and expanded hormonal panels.
Sperm DNA fragmentation is a critical marker that can reveal hidden fertility issues even when basic semen parameters appear normal. High fragmentation levels can impair embryo development, reduce IVF success rates, and increase miscarriage risk. Factors contributing to fragmentation include diabetes, varicocele, smoking, heat exposure, and environmental toxins. Early identification allows tailored interventions—from lifestyle adjustments and antioxidant therapy to varicocele surgery—often leading to improved fertility outcomes.
Advanced Fertility Techniques
“Microfluidic sperm sorting and Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) help select the healthiest sperm for fertilization,” explains Dr. Partha Sarathi Das, Medical Director at Orchid Fertility. “We use these methods regularly in our IVF cycles to boost chances of success.”
Recommendations for Men Planning Families
Dr. Jalil advises men preparing for marriage or future parenthood to undergo baseline fertility assessments. Global studies show declining sperm quality, with average sperm counts dropping over 50% in the past 40 years due to lifestyle and environmental factors. “A simple semen analysis can provide valuable insights and help men take early steps to preserve fertility,” he concludes.
Related topic：
