When a couple is struggling to conceive, male factors play a role in roughly half of all cases — yet it's still common for men to receive their first fertility test only after months of trying. At Modi Pluro in Nagpur, Dr. Rajesh Modi sees this every week: men who assumed fertility was 'a woman's issue' and are surprised — and relieved — to learn that male infertility is both common and, in many cases, very treatable.
The starting point is almost always a semen analysis: a painless test that measures sperm count, motility (how well sperm swim), and morphology (the shape of sperm). Results guide the next step — whether that's lifestyle changes, hormonal treatment, surgery to correct a varicocele, or more advanced options like ICSI.
Azoospermia — the complete absence of sperm in ejaculate — sounds frightening, but it doesn't always mean zero options. Obstructive azoospermia (where sperm are produced but can't exit) can often be treated with a minor procedure called TESA (testicular sperm aspiration), which retrieves sperm directly from the testis for use in ICSI. Even in non-obstructive azoospermia, a specialist retrieval attempt is always worthwhile before considering donor sperm.
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a technique where a single carefully selected sperm is injected directly into an egg. It's the most effective option when sperm count or quality is severely reduced — and at Modi Pluro, it is performed with the same precision and care as any standard IVF cycle. Success depends on many factors, including egg quality and the woman's age, but ICSI has helped thousands of Indian couples who were once told there was 'no hope'.
Dr. Modi's method begins with a complete diagnosis of the problem, which includes semen analysis, hormone testing, and ultrasound examination if required. The couples in Nagpur do not have to go all the way to Mumbai or Hyderabad for expert male fertility treatments. It's available right here.
Q: What does low sperm count actually mean?
A: Low sperm count (oligospermia) means fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre. It reduces natural conception chances but doesn't eliminate them. With IUI or ICSI, many men with low counts go on to father children. A semen analysis at Modi Pluro will tell you exactly where you stand.
Q: What is a varicocele and does it cause infertility?
A: A varicocele is a condition characterized by dilation of the scrotal veins, much like varicose veins. The condition can cause increased temperature in the testicles and impaired semen quality. If you are a candidate for surgery, then varicocelectomy will likely improve your semen characteristics
Q: If I have azoospermia, do I need donor sperm?
A: Not necessarily. If the azoospermia is obstructive, sperm can often be retrieved via TESA for use in ICSI. Even in non-obstructive cases, a retrieval attempt is always recommended before moving to donor sperm. Dr. Modi will assess your specific situation before advising.