Symptoms of male infertility: Watch out for erectile dysfunction, semen colour, and other warning signs

Symptoms of male infertility: Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of underlying hormonal issues or stress. It can affect sexual performance and sperm production (Image: Canva)

Infertility is a deeply personal and often challenging journey for many couples around the world. According to a World Health Organization survey in April 2023, male infertility affects approximately 17.5 percent of the global population. In India, the Indian Council of Medical Research has found that between 10-15 percent of men experience infertility, highlighting the pressing need for accessible and affordable reproductive care.

Defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying, male infertility is a term some experts, including Dr. Shobha Gupta, find limiting. Gupta, an Infertility Specialist and Medical Director at Mother’s Lap IVF Centre in Delhi, stresses the importance of recognising infertility as a shared experience between partners, urging individuals to seek support without stigma.

Recognising male infertility

Male infertility presents itself in two primary forms: primary, where there are no children with a partner, and secondary, where difficulty arises in conceiving after having a child. While about half of male infertility cases remain unexplained, there are several known conditions that can contribute:

Sperm abnormalities: Insufficient semen volume or sperm with reduced motility can hinder the chances of conception. Sperm abnormalities are a common factor in male infertility.

Hypogonadism: This condition, characterized by reduced testosterone production, can lead to a lowered sperm count. It affects the hormonal balance necessary for healthy sperm production.

Ejaculation disorders: Conditions such as delayed or retrograde ejaculation, as well as erectile dysfunction, can impact fertility. These disorders may hinder the process of delivering sperm effectively.

Lifestyle factors

Various lifestyle choices can significantly affect male fertility. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, steroid intake, obesity, lack of physical activity, wearing tight clothing, stress, and exposure to harmful chemicals can all contribute to infertility.

Symptoms of male infertility

While male infertility often becomes apparent when attempting to conceive, there are signs to watch for, advises Dr. Shobha Gupta:

Erectile dysfunction: Struggling with achieving or maintaining an erection can be a sign of underlying hormonal issues or stress. It can affect sexual performance and sperm production.

Testicular discomfort: Discomfort in the testicles, such as aching or the presence of dilated veins (varicocele), may indicate potential issues with sperm count and quality.

Unusual ejaculate: Changes in the colour or smell of semen, particularly if it is foul-smelling or discolored, could signify a prostate infection that needs medical attention.

Small testicle size: Hypogonadism, which is often associated with smaller-than-average testicle size, can indicate insufficient testosterone and sperm production.

Cure for male infertility 

Dr Shobha Gupta outlines a range of treatment options for male infertility, including:

Medications: A patient can opt for hormonal treatments to improve testosterone levels and sperm production.

Medical devices: A number of medical devices such as sperm pumps can assist with ejaculation.

Surgery: Surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues like varicoceles or blockages can be opted for to correct the situation.

Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding harmful substances are healthy lifestyle habits that can help reverse the condition.

Nutritional supplements: Zinc and Selenium have shown to improve sperm health.

Assisted reproduction: Techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help couples conceive when other methods are unsuccessful.