Overview
Sperm quality may be declining among Indian men. In a 4-year study of 64,452 men, researchers at Indira IVF found that abnormal semen parameters became more common between 2018 and 2021. Overall, 72.1% had at least one abnormal parameter, while 9.1% had azoospermia.
Table of Contents
Why Is Sperm Quality Declining Among Indian Men?
Male-related factors play a role in a large share of infertility among couples, and there has been growing concern worldwide about falling sperm quality. To see whether the same is happening in India, the research team at Indira IVF studied the semen reports of 64,452 men who visited its fertility centres across the country over four years (2018 to 2021), one of the largest studies of its kind in India.
The findings pointed to a gradual decline in semen quality over the four years. By 2021, men were noticeably more likely to have abnormal semen results than in 2018. Overall, about 72% of the men had at least one abnormal semen parameter, meaning male factors contributed to roughly three out of four of these couples' difficulties.
Doctors assess three main things in a semen sample: the sperm count (how many), motility (how well they move), and morphology (their shape). Many men fell below the healthy range on one or more of these. The study also found that azoospermia, when no sperm are found in the semen, affected about 9% of men, and this varied by region, from around 6% in the North to 14% in the East.
Data Table
| Region | Samples | Avg count (M/mL) | Motility % | Morphology % | Azoospermia % |
| East | 13,924 | 42.07 | 36.37 | 1.85 | 14.2 |
| West | 22,199 | 42.9 | 37.31 | 2.1 | 8.5 |
| North | 3,969 | 37.92 | 36.9 | 2.2 | 5.8 |
| South | 24,360 | 48.88 | 36.74 | 2.51 | 7.4 |
| All India | 64,452 | 44.67 | 36.87 | 2.21 | 9.1 |
The likely reasons include environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors, though more research is needed. The reassuring message: a semen test is a simple first step, and many causes of male infertility can be evaluated and treated. If you and your partner are trying to conceive, an early check-up can make all the difference.
Study at a glance
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Key findings from the study
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Bhoi NR, Chandra V, Murdia N, et al. Geographical distribution of semen quality parameters in men visiting tertiary care infertility centres across India: A retrospective study.
Fertility Science and Research. 2023;10:158–163. doi:10.4103/fsr.fsr_31_23
