Untreated Male Infertility Fuels Unnecessary IVF, Experts Warn
Many couples are unnecessarily turning to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) due to a widespread failure to properly diagnose and treat male infertility, according to a growing number of fertility specialists.Despite men contributing to roughly half of all infertility cases, inadequate screening and a lack of specialized care mean many male reproductive issues are overlooked.
A key factor is limited awareness among general practitioners coupled with a shortage of dedicated male fertility specialists. This frequently enough results in significant delays – sometiems years – for men to receive even basic diagnostic testing,while their female partners undergo extensive evaluations.
Conditions contributing to male infertility, such as varicocele – an enlargement of veins within the scrotum that elevates temperature and hinders sperm production – are frequently treatable through relatively simple interventions, including surgery or lifestyle adjustments.
Urologist Vaibhav Modgil estimates that 5-10% of men experience infertility, yet the issue remains largely unaddressed.He advocates for a systemic “top-down” overhaul to prioritize male reproductive health.
The problem is further exacerbated by a healthcare system that ofen frames fertility as primarily a women’s health concern. Most couples initially consult gynecologists, and access to male reproductive health specialists is limited in many areas.
While a recent national men’s health strategy offered some hope for change,critics point out it doesn’t specifically address male infertility. There is cautious optimism that upcoming revisions to women’s health policy may create opportunities for improved male-focused fertility care.
Experts and advocates are calling for more comprehensive initial testing for men, encompassing physical examinations, detailed medical histories, and lifestyle assessments, rather than relying solely on semen analysis. This proactive approach, they argue, could significantly reduce the number of couples undergoing costly and emotionally taxing IVF treatments, lessen the mental health burden associated with infertility, and ultimately lower overall healthcare expenses.