Common Myths About Male Infertility

Common Myths About Male Infertility in India & The Truth Behind Them

Male infertility is often misunderstood in India due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and cultural beliefs. Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions, along with the scientific facts:

1. Myth: Infertility is always a woman’s problem

✅ Fact: Male infertility contributes to nearly 50% of infertility cases in couples. Issues like low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalances, and genetic conditions can cause male infertility.

2. Myth: A man’s virility is linked to his masculinity

✅ Fact: Infertility has nothing to do with masculinity. Even healthy men with normal sexual function can have low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

3. Myth: Masturbation causes infertility

✅ Fact: Masturbation does not cause infertility. 

4. Myth: Erectile dysfunction (ED) means infertility

✅ Fact: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and infertility are different. A man with ED may have normal sperm production but struggle with intercourse. Infertility is related to sperm health, not just erection problems.

5. Myth: Boxers are better than briefs for fertility

✅ Fact: While tight underwear may slightly increase scrotal temperature, there is no strong evidence that it significantly affects sperm production. However, avoiding excessive heat exposure (hot baths, saunas, laptops on lap) is important.

6. Myth: Age doesn’t affect male fertility

✅ Fact: While men can father children at older ages, sperm quality declines after 40, increasing the risk of miscarriages, birth defects, and autism in children.

8. Myth: Ayurveda and herbal medicines alone can cure infertility

✅ Fact: While herbs like Ashwagandha, Shilajit, and Gokshura may improve sperm health, but sometimes they can be detrimental. Modern medicine / allopathy has much evidence-based treatments available depending upon specific cause.

9. Myth: Having children in the past means a man cannot be infertile later

✅ Fact: Male fertility can decline over time due to factors like age, lifestyle, stress, infections, or medical conditions. Even a man who has fathered children before can develop infertility later. Varicocele is most important reason for this.

10. Myth: Infertility is untreatable

✅ Fact: Many cases of male infertility are treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, hormone therapy, surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques (IVF, ICSI, IUI). Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment.

Breaking the Stigma Around Male Infertility

• Infertility is a medical condition, not a weakness.
• Men should openly seek medical advice without fear of judgment.
• Both partners should undergo fertility tests for an accurate diagnosis.