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Male Factor Infertility Evaluation in South Delhi

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Male Factor Infertility Evaluation - Dr Sunita Arora
Fertility & Gynaecology

Male Factor Infertility Evaluation – with Dr. Sunita Arora

When a couple finds it hard to conceive, attention often falls on the woman first. But a sperm-related factor is involved in roughly half of couples who have difficulty conceiving, which is why a careful evaluation of the man matters just as much. Dr. Sunita Arora, an infertility specialist with over 23 years of experience, evaluates couples together at her clinics in Safdarjung Enclave and Greater Kailash II, South Delhi.

This page explains what a male fertility evaluation involves, how to prepare and how to understand the results, so that an appointment feels less daunting.

Why evaluate the male partner early?

Testing both partners from the start gives a complete picture and avoids delay. Semen analysis is simple, painless and inexpensive compared with most female investigations, and its result can change the entire treatment plan. For instance, a significant sperm problem may make ICSI more suitable than IUI, while a normal result may point attention elsewhere.

Who should consider an evaluation?

A couple is generally advised to seek help after twelve months of regular, unprotected intercourse without pregnancy, or sooner if the woman is 35 or older. A man may wish to be evaluated earlier if he has:

A history of undescended testicles, testicular surgery, injury or infection
Had chemotherapy, radiotherapy or long-term anabolic steroid use
Known low sperm count in the past
Difficulty with erections or ejaculation
Swelling, pain or a lump in the scrotum
Important: Pain, swelling or a lump in the scrotum should be examined promptly rather than waiting.

Preparing for a semen analysis

  • Follow the laboratory’s instructions on how long to abstain beforehand.
  • Use only the container provided and avoid lubricants or saliva unless approved by the laboratory.
  • Deliver the sample within the time specified, and keep it at body temperature.
  • Tell the laboratory about recent fever, illness or new medicines.
  • Expect that a repeat sample may be requested.

Common causes of male factor infertility

In many men no single cause is found. When one is, it may involve problems with sperm production, such as damage from infection, injury, surgery or an undescended testicle. It may involve a blockage in the tubes that carry sperm, enlarged veins around the testicle (varicocele), hormonal imbalance, certain medicines, drugs or steroids, or difficulty with ejaculation. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, excess weight and prolonged heat exposure may also play a role.

What does the evaluation include?

A structured, step-by-step approach to understanding male fertility and identifying the right path forward.

Step 01

1. A conversation about your health

Dr. Arora will ask about how long you have been trying, previous illnesses and surgery, medicines, sexual function and lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol, weight and exposure to heat. These details often explain a result.

Step 02

2. Physical examination

Where needed, a clinical examination checks the testicles and surrounding structures. If a specialist examination is required, she will coordinate this with an appropriate urologist or andrologist.

Step 03

3. Semen analysis

This is the main first test. A fresh sample is examined in the laboratory for volume, the number of sperm, how well they move and their shape. Your result is compared with international reference ranges, but a result outside the range does not mean you cannot father a child, and a normal result does not guarantee fertility.

Step 04

4. Further tests if the result is abnormal

Depending on the findings, you may be advised blood hormone tests, a scrotal ultrasound, screening for infection, a urine test after ejaculation, or genetic tests, particularly when sperm numbers are very low or absent. Some advanced tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation, are used selectively because their role in treatment decisions is still debated. Dr. Arora will tell you what each test is for before you have it.

Next Steps & Care

What happens after the evaluation?

Treatment depends on what is found. Options can include treating an infection or medical condition, changing medicines, improving lifestyle factors, treating a varicocele in selected men, or using assisted reproduction. Prepared sperm may be used for IUI when the problem is mild. IVF with ICSI is often advised for more significant sperm problems, and in some men sperm can be retrieved surgically.

Dr. Arora will explain the pros and cons of each option and what chance of success to expect, rather than a promise.
Supportive Care

Emotional support

Learning that sperm quality is part of the problem can be hard to hear. It is no one’s fault, and it does not reflect on masculinity. Dr. Arora encourages couples to ask questions and take their time.

Counselling is available through referral if you would like it.

Specialist Expertise

Why consult Dr. Sunita Arora?

Dr. Arora is a gynaecologist and obstetrician with a fellowship in reproductive medicine and IVF training at the Mount Sinai programme in New York.

Her special interests include infertility, IVF and IUI, and she runs FOGSI-accredited courses in IUI and IVF for gynaecologists.

Evaluating both partners under one roof helps you reach a clear plan without repeated explanations.

Clinic Locations

Consult in South Delhi

You can see Dr. Arora at Dr Sunita Arora Fertility and Gynae Clinic in Safdarjung Enclave or at Fortis La Femme, Greater Kailash II.

01
Safdarjung Enclave

Dr Sunita Arora Fertility and Gynae Clinic

02
Greater Kailash II

Fortis La Femme, South Delhi

Many patients also travel from nearby areas such as Hauz Khas, Green Park and Malviya Nagar. See the Clinics page for addresses and timings.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about male fertility evaluation, semen analysis preparation, and next steps.

Yes. Fertility depends on both partners, and a problem can be found in the woman, the man or both. Testing both at the start saves time and avoids months of treatment aimed at only half of the picture.

Follow the laboratory’s instructions. You will usually be asked to abstain from ejaculation for a short, specified period beforehand, to collect the sample in the container provided, and to deliver it to the laboratory promptly. Tell the laboratory about any fever, illness or medicines taken in the last few months.

Semen quality varies from one sample to the next, and illness, stress and incomplete collection can all affect a single result. If the first result is abnormal, a repeat test is usually advised before drawing conclusions.

Not always. Some causes, such as infection, fever, certain medicines or lifestyle factors, can be corrected, and sperm production may improve over a few months. Others, such as genetic or structural causes, may be lasting. Evaluation helps work out which applies to you.

Not necessarily. In some men, sperm can be found by testing or retrieved directly from the testis or epididymis and used with ICSI. This depends on the cause and cannot be promised in advance, so the investigations and counselling that come first are important.

They can help, though the effect varies. Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding anabolic steroids and limiting prolonged scrotal heat are sensible steps. No diet or supplement guarantees an improvement, so be cautious about products that claim to.

Your medical information is confidential and is shared only with your consent or as the law requires. You are welcome to attend alone or with your partner.

The cost depends on which tests are needed. A semen analysis is usually the first step, with further tests only if the result calls for them. The clinic can explain the likely costs at your appointment.