Why Fertility Among Indian Men Is Declining

Male fertility in India has been falling, raising concerns about reproductive health. According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, more than 25 million people in the country experience infertility, affecting both women and men. Among couples, 1 in every 6 struggles to conceive, and 40–50% of these cases are linked to male infertility.

Main Causes of Male Infertility

The decline in male reproductive ability is closely tied to lifestyle and environmental factors.

Poor dietary habits lower sperm production. Lack of essential nutrients, vitamins, and balanced nutrition interferes with reproductive health.
High-fat diets and obesity alter hormonal levels, reducing sperm quality and quantity.
Limited physical activity disrupts hormone stability and performance.
Exposure to heat and radiation—especially from prolonged laptop use or sedentary desk jobs—negatively affects sperm development.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional strain disturb hormone balance, slowing sperm production.
Insufficient sleep interferes with the body’s hormonal cycle, further worsening fertility.
Smoking, alcohol abuse, tobacco chewing, and recreational drugs increase toxins in the body, damaging the testes and sperm formation.

Diagnostic Tests for Men

The primary investigations include semen and sperm analysis, which assess:

Sperm count: whether it meets healthy levels.
Motility: the ability of sperm to move properly.
Morphology: sperm shape and structural quality.

If results appear abnormal, they are typically repeated after 4–6 weeks for confirmation. Persistent abnormalities lead to further hormonal evaluation, including testosterone, thyroid hormones, FSH, and LH to identify underlying causes.

Some patients may also show swollen testes, reduced testicular size, or a condition called varicocele. In these cases, ultrasound imaging is recommended.

Treatment and Lifestyle Management

A Mediterranean-style diet rich in legumes, pulses, and whole foods is considered beneficial.
7–8 hours of daily sleep and 40 minutes of brisk exercise help restore hormonal balance.
Weight management, especially for diabetics or pre-diabetics, plays a crucial role.
Specific medical or surgical treatment is provided if diagnostic tests reveal structural or hormonal issues.

A common surgical treatment is varicocelectomy, which relieves pressure from swollen veins around the testes to reduce heat buildup and improve sperm production. Blockages in sperm transport tubes may also require corrective surgery.

Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and tobacco, combined with a balanced lifestyle, improves overall reproductive health.

Tuberculosis in India: A Persistent Global Challenge

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2025. Over 10 million new TB cases were reported in 2024, resulting in more than 1.2 million deaths globally.
About 87% of all TB cases occur in 30 high-burden countries, and India accounts for 25% of global cases, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

India aimed to eliminate TB by 2025 under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, but the goal has not yet been achieved. However, a positive trend exists. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported a decline in TB prevalence: from 237 cases per 100,000 people in 2015 to 187 in 2024, a 21% reduction, compared to a 12% global decline.
TB-related deaths have also fallen—from 28 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 21 in 2024.

How TB Spreads and What It Affects

TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It transmits through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks nearby. While TB commonly affects the lungs, it can reach nearly every organ except hair and nails.

Types of TB

Pulmonary Tuberculosis – Affects the lungs; most common, accounting for nearly 80% of Indian cases.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis – Affects other body parts such as bones, kidneys, lymph nodes, abdomen, brain, or reproductive organs. In women, it can lead to infertility.

Symptoms to Watch

Persistent cough for more than two weeks
Coughing up blood or mucus
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Fever, often worsening in the evening
Night sweats
Stunted growth in children

Some individuals show no clear symptoms, and TB is detected only in routine examinations.

Treatment

Under the national program, TB medicines are provided free of cost. Treatment usually lasts 6–9 months, depending on severity and type.
TB is fully curable, provided treatment is not interrupted and the full course is completed.

Prevention

Use masks when near TB patients
Cover mouth while coughing or sneezing
Practice regular hand hygiene
Maintain a nutritious diet

Adulterated Cumin in the Market: How to Identify It

Cumin is widely used in Indian cooking for flavor and digestive benefits. However, reports of adulteration have increased. Consuming fake cumin can harm digestion, damage the liver and kidneys, trigger skin allergies, and weaken immunity.

Ways to Detect Adulterated Cumin

Color: Authentic cumin is light brown or grey. Artificially bright, glossy, or very dark seeds may contain dye or charcoal.
Smell: Genuine cumin releases a sharp natural aroma. A strong chemical odor indicates contamination.
Rubbing Test: If rubbed seeds leave color on the palm, artificial dye is present.
Water Test: Real cumin sinks in water. If seeds float or change water color, they are adulterated.
Burn Test: Genuine cumin smells like spice when burned. Fake cumin releases a chemical odor.

Packaged cumin should carry an FSSAI stamp, and loose cumin must be purchased from trusted sellers. Always store cumin in airtight containers in dry conditions.

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🛑 Short Disclaimer

This blog post provides general information only.

Medical Information: This content is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician or healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and specific health concerns related to fertility, tuberculosis, or any medical condition. Do not delay seeking professional advice based on information read here.
Consumer Safety: Home testing methods (like for cumin) are preliminary and not scientifically certified. Purchase goods from trusted sources with proper regulatory certification (e.g., FSSAI).

The authors are not liable for any actions taken based on this information.