Male Infertility & Iui: How Sperm Quality Impacts Success

By Author: Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour
Total Articles: 204
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Male infertility is one of the most common challenges couples faces on their journey to parenthood. Contrary to popular belief, fertility issues are not limited to women—around 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors, such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is often the first recommended treatment for couples dealing with male infertility. SCI IVF Hospital specializes in evaluating male fertility concerns and offering advanced treatments to improve conception chances.

Understanding Male Infertility
Male infertility occurs when a man has difficulty producing healthy sperm capable of fertilizing an egg. Common causes include:
• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility
• Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Varicocele
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, stress, and obesity
• Genetic conditions
• Infections or past trauma

IUI can be an effective solution for many of these issues—provided sperm quality meets certain minimum thresholds.

How ...
... Does IUI Work for Male Infertility?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) involves placing washed, concentrated sperm directly into the woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. This reduces the distance sperm must travel and increases the chances of fertilization.

Before IUI, the sperm undergoes a process called sperm washing, which:
• Removes impurities
• Isolates the healthiest, most motile sperm
• Concentrates them to improve fertilization potential

At SCI IVF Hospital, advanced andrology labs ensure high-quality sperm processing for maximum success.

Key Sperm Parameters That Impact IUI Success

1. Sperm Count
A higher sperm count increases the number of sperm capable of reaching the egg.
Minimum recommended post-wash count for IUI: 10 million motile sperm.
If the count is extremely low, IUI may not be effective and IVF with ICSI could be advised.

2. Sperm Motility
Motility refers to how efficiently sperm move toward the egg.
Minimum recommended motility for IUI: 30–40%.
Poor motility reduces the sperm’s ability to reach the egg, affecting pregnancy chances.

3. Sperm Morphology
Morphology examines the sperm’s shape and structure.
Abnormal shapes may result in difficulty penetrating the egg.
Though morphology plays a role, mildly abnormal morphology can still work with IUI if count and motility are good.

4. DNA Fragmentation
Sperm DNA quality is crucial for healthy embryo development.
High DNA fragmentation may lead to:
• Failed fertilization
• Early miscarriages
• Poor embryo quality

SCI IVF Hospital offers advanced sperm tests and treatments to reduce DNA damage and improve outcomes.

When Is IUI Recommended for Male Infertility?
IUI is ideal for mild to moderate male infertility cases such as:
• Low to moderate sperm count
• Mild motility issues
• Ejaculation difficulties
• Unexplained male infertility
• Couples wanting a less invasive first step

However, severe male factor infertility may require IVF or ICSI for better success.

Tips to Improve Sperm Quality Before IUI
SCI IVF Hospital recommends lifestyle and medical measures such as:
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and vaping
• Taking antioxidants and fertility supplements
• Reducing stress
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing
• Ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep
• Treating infections or hormonal issues

These simple changes can significantly enhance IUI success.

Why Choose SCI IVF Hospital for Male Infertility Treatment?
As the leading IUI treatment centre in Delhi, SCI IVF Hospital offers:
• Advanced andrology & embryology labs
• Expert fertility specialists and urologists
• High-precision sperm washing techniques
• Comprehensive semen analysis
• Customized treatment plans
• Proven success in male infertility cases
• Ethical, transparent, and patient-friendly care

Our team ensures that couples receive the best possible support and guidance throughout their fertility journey.

Conclusion
Male infertility is common—but highly treatable. Understanding how sperm quality influences IUI success empowers couples to make informed decisions. With expert evaluation, advanced laboratory techniques, and personalized care at the best IUI centre in Delhi, SCI IVF Hospital helps couples achieve parenthood through safe, effective, and compassionate fertility treatments. https://www.drshivanisachdevgour.com/services/iui-treatment-centre-delhi/

Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour, Founder & Director of SCI Healthcare, SCI IVF is a state of the art fertility centre located in Kailash Colony, New Delhi.