In India, male reproductive health remains an under-discussed issue, with millions of men silently suffering from conditions like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and sperm count problems. While women’s health conversations have gained visibility, men’s reproductive challenges continue to be marginalized, resulting in a lack of diagnosis, treatment, and support. According to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, nearly 15% of Indian couples struggle with infertility, with male factors contributing to nearly 50% of cases. A study by the Indian Journal of Urology further reveals that one in four men face sexual dysfunction, but only a fraction seek medical help due to stigma and misinformation.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this gap, Raaz, a Delhi-based startup founded in 2024, is bringing much-needed attention to male reproductive health by offering discreet, medically supported solutions. The startup aims to make reproductive healthcare more accessible and destigmatize male sexual health issues.
A Personal Mission to Fill the Void
Raaz was established by Harshit Kukreja, a former ER doctor turned health policy expert, and Akash Kumar, the former chief of staff at Locale.ai. Their journey began after witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by Indian men when it came to reproductive health. Kukreja recalls an incident where he treated a young man who attempted suicide due to marital issues stemming from erectile dysfunction and the financial burden of ineffective treatments. This tragic event sparked a deep desire to create a solution.
“I encountered a man who spent Rs 80,000 on treatments that didn’t work, and his story haunted me. It made me realize how many men across India quietly endure similar pain,” says Kukreja. This drive led Kukreja and Kumar to survey over 10,000 men across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, revealing that over 70% had never consulted a doctor for reproductive issues, often resorting to ineffective home remedies or ignoring their problems entirely.
“There is a lack of structured, accessible healthcare for men, and the stigma around seeking help prevents them from consulting experts,” explains Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of Raaz.
Tech-Enabled, Confidential Care
Raaz leverages a tech-driven model to offer accessible and private reproductive health solutions. The startup provides discreet at-home testing kits for semen analysis and hormonal assessments, along with personalized treatment plans that include medications, lifestyle changes, and psychological support. Patients can book teleconsultations with specialists through WhatsApp, ensuring that expert guidance remains confidential and convenient.
“Our platform provides an empathetic, science-backed approach, with specialists trained in Raaz’s proprietary care protocols. This ensures that the care goes beyond just treatment—it includes understanding the individual’s unique concerns,” Kukreja explains.
The startup’s evidence-based approach helps men address a wide range of issues, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, through medications such as sildenafil and tadalafil, along with behavioral techniques, lifestyle modifications, and counseling. Recognizing the psychological impact of these conditions, Raaz also provides mental health support to address issues like performance anxiety and relationship challenges.
A Focus on Education and Awareness
Raaz also aims to address the widespread misinformation surrounding male reproductive health. Many men still hold misconceptions, believing that infertility is only a female issue or that lifestyle changes have no impact on fertility. Kumar emphasizes, “Our goal is to empower men with accurate knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.”
Through educational resources and open discussions, Raaz is committed to changing perceptions and encouraging men to take proactive steps in managing their reproductive health.
Scaling Up for Greater Impact
Raaz offers a flexible pricing structure to ensure affordability, with an initial 20-day program priced at Rs 1,000, allowing users to assess treatment effectiveness before committing to a longer course costing between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000. Despite the affordability, Kumar notes that many users are willing to invest in effective solutions, as they have often spent more on unsuccessful treatments in the past.
Since its inception, Raaz has served over 5,000 users, with a threefold growth in its user base in just three months. The startup aims to expand its reach to 50,000 patients by the end of the year, reporting a repeat consultation rate of over 50%.
“The decline in fertility rates is a growing concern in India. If this trend continues, India risks facing a demographic crisis,” warns Kumar. “Through Raaz, we hope to reverse this trend and provide innovative reproductive health solutions to help couples achieve their goals while respecting individual choices.”
Raaz competes with startups like Allo Health but differentiates itself with a holistic, tech-enabled approach that addresses both physical and mental health, offering personalized care for each individual.
A New Era for Male Reproductive Health
Raaz is leading the charge in breaking the stigma around male reproductive health. With its discreet, accessible, and evidence-based solutions, the startup is poised to transform how men approach their sexual health, providing them with the tools to regain control and improve their quality of life.
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