The Price of Waiting: How Delayed IVF Impacts Male Infertility Treatment

Patient: Dr. Malpani, we’ve been trying to conceive for a while now, but nothing seems to work. My previous doctor diagnosed me with low sperm count and poor sperm motility. We’ve tried so many things, but we’re still stuck. I don’t know what to do next.

Dr. Malpani: I’m sorry to hear about your struggles. Unfortunately, male factor infertility is a common issue, but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood and mismanaged. Tell me, what treatments have you tried so far?

Patient: Oh, where do I begin? I’ve been put on vitamins and antioxidants like CoQ10 and FertileB. One doctor told me to take cold water baths and wear loose underwear. Another suggested an ultrasound, found a varicocele, and recommended surgery, which I went through. But none of this has helped.

Dr. Malpani: That sounds exhausting. Sadly, this is a pattern I see all too often. Patients with male factor infertility are often prescribed a mix of treatments—vitamins, surgeries, or lifestyle changes—but the reality is that most of these interventions don’t make a meaningful difference.

Patient: If they don’t work, why do doctors keep prescribing them?

Dr. Malpani: Good question. It’s often because of patient expectations. When you spend money on a consultation, you expect the doctor to do something—usually in the form of a prescription. Doctors know this, and they often prescribe treatments, even if they’re not effective, just to satisfy those expectations.

Patient: That explains why I kept switching doctors. Each one had something new to try, but none of it worked.

Dr. Malpani: Exactly. This cycle is frustrating for patients and can erode their trust in doctors. What’s worse is that patients like you often turn to alternative treatments—Ayurveda, homeopathy, or Unani medicine—when Western medicine doesn’t deliver results. But the outcomes remain the same.

Patient: That’s exactly what we did. But after spending so much time and money, we’re back to square one.

Dr. Malpani: The real tragedy here is the time that gets wasted. Male infertility is challenging to treat, and in many cases, IVF with ICSI is the most effective option. But by the time patients are ready to consider IVF, they’ve often wasted years chasing ineffective treatments. And during that time, the wife’s age becomes a critical factor.

Patient: You’re saying my wife’s age could now affect our chances of success?

Dr. Malpani: Yes, and that’s what makes this situation so preventable. The older a woman gets, the more her egg quality declines, which significantly impacts IVF success rates. If you had started IVF earlier, the focus would’ve been on addressing the sperm issue. Now, we might also have to deal with reduced egg quality.

Patient: I see your point. So, what should we do now?

Dr. Malpani: The best course of action is to move forward with IVF using ICSI. It’s the most effective treatment for male factor infertility. I understand this can be an overwhelming decision, so let’s discuss all your questions and concerns in detail.

Patient: I appreciate that, Dr. Malpani. How can we consult with you further?

Dr. Malpani: You can book a video consultation with me to discuss your case in-depth. I’ll explain the process, what to expect, and how we can work together to maximize your chances of success. Visit bit.ly/consult-drmalpani. to schedule an appointment. And remember, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. That gives me hope.

Dr. Malpani: You’re welcome. And remember, don’t let past disappointments hold you back. We can create a plan that works for you. Let’s focus on moving forward!