Male Infertility Rising: Why Sperm Freezing is Gaining Popularity in India

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Male infertility cases are rising rapidly in India, contributing to 40-50% of fertility issues.
2. Factors like pollution, stress, poor lifestyle, and late marriages are affecting male reproductive health.
3. Sperm freezing is an effective technique to help men secure future parenthood options.
4. In India, sperm freezing costs between ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per year, making it accessible.
5. Despite societal stigma, sperm freezing is gaining popularity as awareness grows.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Male Infertility: A Growing Concern

Male infertility cases are rising rapidly in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. In India, male infertility contributes to 40-50% of fertility issues, compared to the global average of 15%.

Causes: Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Dr. Durga G. Rao, co-founder of Oasis Fertility, explains that pollution, pesticides, food adulteration, and stress are major contributors to declining sperm quality. Dr. Sheetal Jindal, a senior consultant at Jindal IVF, adds that late marriages, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption also play a significant role.

Sperm Freezing: A Viable Solution

Sperm freezing, or sperm cryopreservation, offers men a way to preserve their fertility for future use. This technique is particularly beneficial for men undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or those with high-risk professions.

Process and Cost

The sperm freezing process involves collecting a semen sample, treating it with a cryoprotectant, and storing it at -196°C. In India, the cost ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per year, making it an affordable option.

Societal Stigma

Despite its benefits, sperm freezing faces societal stigma in India. Dr. Jindal notes, “Male infertility is often seen as a blow to masculinity, discouraging men from seeking fertility treatments.”

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. Male infertility cases are rising rapidly in India.
2. Pollution, stress, and poor lifestyle are major contributing factors.
3. Sperm freezing helps men secure future parenthood options.
4. The cost of sperm freezing in India ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per year.
5. Despite societal stigma, sperm freezing is gaining popularity.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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