The topic of infertility has long been a taboo subject in Indian society, more so where male infertility has been involved. It was until not so long ago that the woman would have to shoulder all the blame for being unable to bear a child, irrespective of where the real problem lay. 

However, with evolving social times and a double-digit growth rate in infertility cases, this issue is now too big to be ignored from the perspective of both a man and a woman.

Numbers Show the Reality

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in Indian couples almost 50% of cases are due to some form of male infertility. 

Further, according to doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the sperm count in an average Indian male has dropped to around 20 million/mL from close to 60 million/mL over the last three decades.

What Is Driving This Decline?

While the exact cause behind the declining fertility of an Indian man is yet to be ascertained, there are several contributing factors at play.

• Lack of proper diet: Improper intake of essential nutrients is one of the major factors impacting sperm quality and production.
• Harmful environment: Presence of certain pollutants and chemicals in the environment, and extended exposure to these damaged sperms, resulting in infertility.
• Demanding and unhealthy lifestyle: Stress leads to imbalance in hormone levels while excessive smoking and alcohol consumption also affect sperm production.
• Age: Hormone levels change with age, often leading to lower sperm production and decline in male fertility.

With advancements in science and technology, infertile couples struggling to get pregnant now have an alternative to conceive – in-vitro fertilization or IVF. As of 2023, India had an average annual IVF cycle count of around 2.5 lakhs with the number expected to grow to 5-6 lakhs by 2030. 

Increasing success rate and social acceptance for babies born through IVF have also supported the steady demand growth as couples are now less sceptical about the procedure. 

Tips to Help You Optimize Sperm Collection for IVF

While it may seem straightforward, IVF involves a series of complex steps and requires delicate handling. The sperm quality is a critical factor that influences the success rate of the procedure. Here are some tips to help improve the sperm quality for an IVF sample.

• Maintaining proper weight: Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) and including physical activity in the daily routine helps in optimizing sperm production.
• Following a balanced diet: Diet that is rich in healthy fats, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains supports healthy sperm production. Saturated fats, sugary drinks, and processed foods should be consumed only in moderation.
• Avoiding dehydration: Drinking plenty of water everyday helps in producing good quality sperms.
• Abstaining from smoking and drinking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are both detrimental to good quality sperm collection for IVF.
• Stress management: To negate the adverse impact of chronic stress on sperm health, one should adopt stress-reduction practices such as regular deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
• Sound sleep: This cannot be stressed enough – getting 7-8 hours of sound, uninterrupted sleep everyday is vital for healthy sperm production.
• Keeping things cool down there: Tight-fitting clothes, saunas, and hot tubs are a strict no-no as high testicular temperature can adversely interfere with sperm quality and production.
• Consulting a doctor when needed: When in doubt it is always better to talk to the experts, so anyone concerned about their sperm health should consider an immediate doctor’s consultation.

Before a sperm collection for IVF, it is also very important that men refrain from any form of ejaculation for no more than five days so that the sperm has enough time to mature and accumulate. This not only improves the chances of motility but also leads to higher concentration which increases the chances of success during the procedure. It is advisable not to exceed the five-day abstinence period as it could lead to weaker motility and reduced volumes.

Trust the Best Fertility Hospital in Bangalore

Adopting healthy habits and leading a healthy lifestyle is only one part of the equation when it comes to optimizing sperm collection for IVF – the other half involves finding a reliable IVF centre. 

While assisted birth procedures can be complex and emotionally draining for the couple, being in the hands of experts at the best fertility hospital in Bangalore is usually a step in the right direction towards achieving one’s dream of parenthood.