5 Essential Facts About Male and Female Infertility

In Singapore, one in six couples experience fertility challenges, with causes often shared equally between men and women. Infertility is a joint journey, requiring understanding, support and timely medical guidance. Early intervention can help identify underlying issues, improve the chances of conception and clear up common myths and misconceptions.

Here are five essential facts about male and female infertility that every couple should know.

1. Getting a Semen Analysis Helps You Understand Fertility

A semen analysis is often the first step to understanding infertility. With male factors accounting for nearly half of infertility cases, semen analysis serves as a simple yet essential first step for an infertility specialist to determine your:

• Sperm Count

  : Your doctor will measure how many sperm are present in the sample. Having a low sperm count often reduces the likelihood of fertilisation.

• Sperm Motility

  : Sperm motility refers to how effectively sperm can move. Poor sperm movement makes it harder for them to reach and fertilise the egg.

• Sperm Morphology

  : Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm. Abnormal sperm forms may struggle to penetrate the egg successfully.

Semen analyses can also give insights into semen volume, pH and white blood cells. These sperm indicators can reveal infections or other hidden issues affecting fertility.

2. Everyday Habits Play a Key Role in Sperm Health

While genetics and medical conditions can influence sperm health, making lifestyle changes can significantly improve sperm quality. Certain everyday habits can negatively affect sperm health:

• Smoking

  : Habitual smoking can damage DNA and lower both sperm count and motility, reducing the chances of successful fertilisation.

• Alcohol Consumption

  : Over time, excessive alcohol use can disrupt hormone balance and decrease sperm production.

• Poor Diet

  : A diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients can lead to weaker, less mobile sperm.

• Lack of Exercise

  : Insufficient movement can reduce blood circulation and lower testosterone levels, which are essential for sperm production.

• Obesity

  : Obesity can affect hormone balance, reduce testosterone and lower sperm quality.

• Heat Exposure

  : Frequent use of hot tubs or saunas, or even wearing consistently tight clothing, can raise testicular temperature and lower sperm quality.

• Chronic Stress

  : Chronic stress can increase the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with testosterone and sperm development.

By addressing these everyday habits, men can enhance sperm quality naturally and support reproductive health for fertility.

3. Low Ovarian Reserve Does Not Always Mean You Cannot Conceive

Being diagnosed with a low ovarian reserve can feel discouraging, but it does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Many women worry that this diagnosis means the end of their parenthood journey, but this is a common misconception.

Low ovarian reserve simply means there are fewer eggs available than expected for your age, not that there are no eggs left. While having more eggs can increase the chances of fertilisation, even a smaller number can still lead to a healthy pregnancy.

An ovarian reserve assessment provides valuable insight into your egg supply, helping you and your doctor create a personalised treatment plan. With the right approach and supportive treatments, you can improve your chances of conception and move forward with hope and confidence.

4. Effective Treatments Can Support Low Ovarian Reserve

Modern medical advances can help women with low ovarian reserve pursue pregnancy:

• Fertility Medications

  : Hormonal therapies can help stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs during a cycle.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

  : IVF maximises the chances of using available eggs, and may include additional techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

• Egg Freezing

  : Preserving eggs at a younger age provides more options for future family planning.

• Donor Eggs

  : For women with especially limited reserves, donor eggs can be a practical and effective solution.

5. Early Medical Intervention Improves Fertility Outcomes

Early medical intervention is key to improving fertility outcomes. By seeking guidance early, you can identify potential issues, understand challenges and explore fertility-preserving strategies to increase your chances of conceiving. Starting with proper analysis and consultation provides a clear picture of your reproductive health, helping you make informed decisions and adopt positive lifestyle changes.

If you are struggling with fertility issues, take the first step today. Schedule a consultation with our infertility specialist in Singapore and explore your fertility options with confidence.