Experts discuss issues of male infertility in Kovai

Coimbatore: About 50 per cent of infertility cases may be associated with a male factor. The ‘Sperm DNA Fragmentation’ test can be used to determine a man’s fertility. “At our center we can perform the test and determine the sperm concentration, motility and morphology. However, the test cannot be used to provide genetic information about the sperm. Depending on the results of the test and on a case to case basis, further tests if required can be performed and necessary course of treatment is prescribed,” Dr. Mirudhubashini Govindarajan clinical director at Women’s Center by Motherhood told media persons on Saturday on the sidelines of an interactive session on fertility management organised by center.

Agreeing that the cases of infertility are on the rise, the doctor says that environmental factors are one of the aspects responsible for the same. “Through a study conducted by us we have identified that agriculture is one of the reasons for male infertility. The solution is, take them away from environmental factors. Their condition will get better as environmental factors can be a reversible aspect,” said the doctor.

Besides environmental factors like the alarmingly high levels of pollution in the air, pesticides and chemicals used to cultivate crops that can also contribute to male infertility, another factor the doctor points out that has witnessed a steep rise in the last few years is the fact that an increasing number of men, particularly those who are older than 35 are in the habit of tobacco consumption and/ or are on medication to treat conditions like cholesterol levels and obesity among others.

The doctor concludes by saying “infertility is not a disease.” There are a plethora of factors responsible for it and there are many ways to treat it. Couples who wish to become parents and who are facing challenges to achieve their goal participated in the interactive session that was organised on Saturday.