If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you’re not alone. 1 in 6 couples worldwide faces infertility — and in nearly half of those cases, the cause is related to the male partner. Yet most couples only get the woman tested first. That delay can cost valuable time.

The most important thing a couple can do early on? Get evaluated together.

What Is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over 35, the threshold is 6 months.

It’s more common than most people realize — and it’s rarely just a “woman’s problem.” Causes can lie with either partner, or sometimes both at the same time.

Male Infertility: More Common Than You Think

Male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40–50% of all infertility cases. But men often delay testing due to stigma or the assumption that it’s “not their issue.”

Common causes of male infertility include:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia) or no sperm (azoospermia)
• Poor sperm motility — sperm that can’t swim well enough to reach the egg
• Abnormal sperm morphology (shape)
• Varicocele — enlarged veins in the scrotum that affect sperm production
• Hormonal imbalances affecting testosterone and sperm production
• Infections or blockages in the reproductive tract
• Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol, obesity, chronic stress, heat exposure

A basic semen analysis is all it takes to start. It’s quick, non-invasive, and gives critical information.

Female Infertility: Key Causes to Know

Women can face fertility challenges due to hormonal, structural, or age-related factors. Common causes include:

• Ovulation disorders — irregular or absent ovulation
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — one of the most common causes of female infertility
• Endometriosis — affects egg quality, fallopian tubes, and implantation
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes (often from past infections or pelvic surgeries)
• Uterine fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities
• Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) — reduced egg quantity or quality
• Age-related decline in fertility, especially after 35
• Thyroid disorders and other hormonal imbalances

A female fertility evaluation typically includes blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid), transvaginal ultrasound, ovulation tracking, and in some cases a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

Why Both Partners Should Be Tested at the Same Time

Faster, More Accurate Diagnosis

Testing both partners simultaneously cuts down on diagnostic delays. Instead of ruling out one partner at a time, your doctor gets the full picture upfront — and can recommend the right treatment sooner.

Tailored Fertility Treatment Plans

Whether the path forward is timed intercourse, IUI, IVF, or laparoscopic surgery, the treatment needs to address all contributing factors — from both sides. A joint evaluation makes that possible.

Better IVF and ART Success Rates

Understanding both male and female fertility factors — sperm quality, ovarian reserve, uterine health — directly improves the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI.

Emotional Support and Shared Responsibility

Infertility is emotionally exhausting. When both partners are involved from the start, it reduces the burden on one person and builds a stronger foundation for navigating treatment together.

Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully improve fertility outcomes for both partners:

For Men

• Maintain a healthy BMI — obesity lowers testosterone and sperm quality
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods (zinc, selenium, vitamin C, E)
• Avoid tight underwear, saunas, and prolonged heat exposure
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress — chronic stress affects sperm production

For Women

• Maintain a healthy weight — both underweight and overweight affect ovulation
• Track your menstrual cycle and ovulation window
• Take folic acid and key micronutrients before trying to conceive
• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake
• Manage conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or endometriosis proactively

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

Don’t wait too long. Seek expert evaluation if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months without success
• The female partner is over 35 and has been trying for 6 months
• Periods are irregular, very heavy, or absent
• There is a history of PCOS, endometriosis, or pelvic infections
• There have been one or more miscarriages
• The male partner has known concerns about sperm health or hormonal issues
• Either partner has had prior pelvic or reproductive surgery

Early evaluation leads to faster diagnosis and significantly better treatment outcomes.

Dr. Sambit Nanda — Best Fertility Specialist in Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Sambit Nanda is a highly experienced gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon in Andheri, Mumbai, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of both male and female infertility. He offers comprehensive fertility workups, advanced diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment plans — from ovulation induction and IUI to IVF coordination and laparoscopic or robotic surgery for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.

If you’re looking for the best fertility specialist in Andheri or Mumbai, Dr. Sambit Nanda provides evidence-based, compassionate care to help couples at every stage of their fertility journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Should both partners be tested for infertility?

Absolutely. Since infertility affects both men and women equally, testing only one partner can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment. A joint evaluation gives a complete picture and speeds up the process.

Q2. What does a basic fertility evaluation include?

For men: a semen analysis to check sperm count, motility, and morphology. For women: blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid), transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and uterine health, and ovulation tracking. Additional tests may be recommended based on findings.

Q3. What is AMH and why does it matter?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a blood test that measures ovarian reserve — essentially how many eggs a woman has left. It’s one of the most important markers in a female fertility assessment and helps guide decisions about IVF timing and protocol.

Q4. Can PCOS affect fertility?

Yes. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most common causes of ovulation disorders and female infertility. With the right treatment — lifestyle changes, medications, or fertility treatments — most women with PCOS can conceive.

Q5. When should a couple consider IVF?

IVF is typically recommended when simpler treatments haven’t worked, when there is a significant male factor (low sperm count or motility), blocked fallopian tubes, poor ovarian reserve, or when the female partner is over 35 with limited time. Your fertility specialist will guide you based on your specific evaluation.

Q6. Can lifestyle changes alone improve fertility?

In some cases, yes — especially when lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, or poor diet are contributing to the problem. However, for most couples with a specific underlying cause, medical treatment will also be necessary alongside lifestyle improvements.