Patient Education · Balaji Horizon

Importance Of Semen Analysis In Male Infertility Treatment

Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Reviewed by Dr. Priyadatt PatelSenior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF & Endometriosis Programme Lead
DPP
Reviewed by Dr. Priyadatt PatelSenior Gynecologist Β· Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon Β· Last reviewed 25 May 2026

Nowadays, infertility is a common problem for couples in India. Don’t be disheartened by a string of negative pregnancy tests. Doctors advise young couples in their twenties and early thirties to try for up to a year naturally. Conception is a tricky concept that occurs only during a woman’s menstrual cycle’s fertile window. You may not become pregnant on the first try, but if you are unable to conceive after one year of trying naturally, it is cause for concern.

We’ve seen an increase in the number of couples open up about their fertility issues over the years. They are actively seeking expert advice on reproductive health. It’s no longer a topic to be discussed behind closed doors. You have the best chance of getting pregnant at Balaji IVF Fertility because of the advanced technology and excellent guidance from internationally acclaimed fertility specialists that the industry has to offer. In this blog, we’ll go over some guidelines to help you decide when you should see a fertility specialist.

The Age Factor

If you are under the age of 35 and have tried to conceive naturally for more than a year, it is time to see a fertility specialist. In Indian women, the ovarian reserve begins to decline rapidly around the age of 35. With age, an otherwise healthy woman’s egg reserve begins to deplete and is completely depleted by the age of 40-45 years, resulting in menopause.

If you are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive naturally for 6 months or more without success, see a fertility specialist right away. Women over the age of 35 have a lower chance of getting pregnant, even with assisted reproductive techniques, because their eggs may not be of the highest quality at that age. Other complications can arise with age, leading to a depleted ovarian reserve.

The Health Factor

Several health conditions have a negative impact on women’s fertility potential. Thyroid problems in women can cause hormonal imbalances. Thyroid disease is known to cause infertility, miscarriages, abnormalities in foetal brain development, and other complications in women. However, if the thyroid disorder is identified and treated, the woman may be able to conceive through fertility treatment. It is recommended that you consult your fertility specialist on a regular basis during the treatment procedure.

Women suffering from PCOS or endometriosis are advised to consult the fertility specialist when they decide to get pregnant. Endometriosis leads to an unhealthy pelvic environment that may be associated with damaged tubes and weaker ovaries, resulting in lower chances of natural conception.

Undiagnosed fertility issues can be another reason for when to consult a fertility specialist. In these cases, symptoms to look out for are, irregular periods, pain in pelvic region, an absence of periods, and multiple miscarriages that may have occurred in the past. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advised to reach out to a fertility specialist without wasting further time.

Women suffering from chronic medical conditions like kidney complications, hypertension, and cancer, genetically transferred conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. are advised to consult a fertility specialist for a treatment plan to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

The Male Factor

Infertility is not solely a female issue. Male factors are present in 40-45% of all cases of infertility. Infertility in men is typically caused by poor sperm factors, which can occur as a result of associated conditions such as cancer or cancer treatment, testicular or pelvic injury, varicocele, diabetes, obesity, and so on. However, in many cases, no underlying cause is discovered. A sperm analysis should always be performed as part of the initial evaluation so that further treatment options can be determined.

Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can also cause difficulties conceiving, and these issues are typically addressed by sexologists and psychologists. Infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be treated as soon as possible because they can affect the quantity and quality of sperm. If any of these factors apply to you or your partner, you should see a fertility specialist right away. Male infertility can be helped by fertility treatments such as IVF and ICSI.

Infertility in men and women can occur for a variety of reasons, so it is critical to act quickly and try home remedies, as age is a significant factor in the chances of becoming pregnant. It’s a race against time, so the sooner you see a fertility specialist, the better.

Dr. Priyadatt Patel
About the Author
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF & Endometriosis Programme Lead
Founder of Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital. ESHRE / ASRM / FIGO-aligned practice. ★ 5.0 on Google · 287 reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I abstain before semen analysis?
2–7 days; 3 days is ideal. Longer abstinence is not better β€” it can worsen morphology and motility.
How many semen analyses do I need?
Two analyses 4–6 weeks apart if the first is abnormal, since values vary significantly between samples. A single normal result is usually sufficient if entirely normal.
What if my semen analysis is mildly abnormal?
Mild abnormalities often improve with lifestyle modification over 3 months. Persistent mild abnormalities may not significantly impair fertility; severe abnormalities require treatment.
Does testosterone supplementation improve sperm count?
No β€” it suppresses sperm production. Testosterone supplementation is a common cause of male infertility and should be stopped if fertility is desired.
What is sperm DNA fragmentation?
Damage to the genetic material within sperm. Can be elevated despite normal standard semen analysis. Associated with recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF and unexplained infertility.
Can lifestyle changes really improve sperm quality?
Yes. Smoking cessation, weight loss, alcohol reduction, avoiding heat exposure and treating varicocele each improve sperm parameters meaningfully in many men over 2–3 months.
When is IVF-ICSI needed?
For severe male factor (very low count, motility or morphology), for surgically retrieved sperm in azoospermia, for failed IUI cycles, and when female factor coexists. ICSI overcomes most sperm-related fertilisation barriers.
Can azoospermia be treated?
Obstructive azoospermia is often correctable surgically. Non-obstructive azoospermia may require surgical sperm retrieval (microTESE) with IVF-ICSI. Genetic testing guides management.
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