Modern medicine has turned infertility into a challenge, not a destiny.
Male infertility! We might come across this sound most often in recent times due to numerous concerns. So,
What actually is male infertility?
What causes male infertility?
Is male infertility curable?
This blog will resolve many more queries, delving into all the key infertility aspects.
Introduction to Male Infertility
Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to father a child, this might be due to issues with sperm production, quality, or delivery. It is the cause of approximately 40-50% of infertility cases worldwide and as such becomes an area of great importance in reproductive health. Research indicates that male infertility affects approximately half of the 1 in 7 couples who experience difficulty conceiving after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Therefore, as earlier discussed, it can be caused by low production of sperm, abnormal functioning of sperm, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm to the female. In addition, some factors include illness, injuries, other health issues, and lifestyle factors. Male infertility is specific to those assigned male at birth (AMAB) and prevents them from getting individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) pregnant.
Most Common Causes of Male Infertility
Looking at the most common causes of male infertility here is the breakdown:
1)Sperm-Related Issues
The first thing to look out for while identifying yourself with male infertility is to check for sperm issues:
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen can cause male infertility.
No Sperm in Semen (Azoospermia): Absence of sperm in ejaculate.
Poor Sperm Motility: Sperm’s inability to swim effectively to reach the egg.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology: Irregular sperm shape can affect fertilization.
2) Hormonal Imbalances
The second most common cause of male infertility is hormonal imbalances:
Insufficient testosterone or other hormone disruptions can be a cause of hormonal imbalances.
Disorders of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands.
Conditions like male hypogonadism also have the probability of causing infertility in men.
3) Structural and Tubular Defects
Varicocele: Swelling of veins draining the testicle, reducing sperm quality and quantity.
Blockages in Tubes: Blocked tubes such as vas deferens, and epididymis that carry sperm also cause male infertility.
Undescended Testicles: Failure of testicles to descend during fetal development.
4) Medical Conditions
Infections: Epididymitis, orchitis, gonorrhea, HIV, or sexually transmitted infections causing scarring or damage.
Ejaculation Issues: Retrograde ejaculation where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis.
Antibodies Attacking Sperm: Immune cells identify sperm as harmful.
Tumors: Cancerous or non-cancerous tumors affecting reproductive organs or glands.
Celiac Disease: Gluten sensitivity affects fertility and is reversible with a gluten-free diet.
Chromosome Defects: Genetic disorders like Klinefelter’s syndrome.
5) Environmental Causes
Industrial Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to pesticides, solvents, and other chemicals.
Heavy Metals: Lead or other toxic metals reducing sperm production.
Radiation or X-rays: High doses causing temporary or permanent damage.
Overheating: Frequent use of saunas, hot tubs, or tight clothing increases scrotal temperature.
6)Lifestyle Factors
Substance Abuse: Use of anabolic steroids, cocaine, or marijuana to reduce sperm count and quality.
Alcohol Consumption: Lowers testosterone and sperm production, and causes erectile dysfunction.
Tobacco Smoking: This leads to reduced sperm count and quality, and secondhand smoke also contributes.
Obesity: Hormonal changes and direct impact on sperm quality due to excess weight.
7)Medications and Treatments
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Impacts sperm production.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Suppresses sperm production.
Certain Medications: Ulcers, arthritis, and some cancer drugs may impair fertility.
8. Sexual Health Issues
Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or anatomical abnormalities like hypospadias (urethral opening beneath the penis).
Symptoms of Male Infertility
Difficulty with Sexual Function: Difficulty with ejaculation or reduced volume of fluid during ejaculation, reduced sexual desire, difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).
Pain, Swelling, or Lumps: Pain or swelling in the testicle area, presence of a lump or mass in the testicular region.
Other Physical Symptoms: Recurrent respiratory infections, inability to smell (anosmia), abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia). Decreased facial or body hair, or other signs of hormonal or chromosomal abnormalities.
Low Sperm Count: Sperm count lower than 15 million per milliliter of semen or less than 39 million per ejaculate.
Associated Psychological and Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of depression, grief, inadequacy, failure, and loss due to infertility. Emotional distress can occur as a result of the inability to conceive, impacting mental well-being.
Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone production can lead to symptoms like tiredness, impotence, weight gain, depression, and apathy.
Risk Factors for Male Infertility
We've learned all about the symptoms and causes of male infertility now it's time for us to understand the risk factors which include:
Tobacco Smoking, alcohol or certain drug addiction, not being a healthy weight (overweight), toxin exposure, your testicles being overheated vasectomy, Abdominal or pelvic surgery, genetically born or having blood relation with male infertility, surgery or radiation treatment for cancer. These mentioned things can increase the risk of having male infertility.
Role of Hormonal Balance in Fertility
Testosterone: Key for sperm production.
FSH & LH: Indicate sperm-producing ability.
Prolactin: Abnormal levels may signal pituitary issues.
Also read - Men’s Health Matters: Simple Tips for Supporting Hormonal Health
Diagnosis of Male Infertility
After addressing certain symptoms there are a series of comprehensive assessments and procedures to help diagnose male infertility:
Semen analysis to check sperm health.
Ultrasounds to detect abnormalities.
Genetic and hormonal evaluations along with urine tests are performed.
Blood Tests for Male Infertility! Blood Tests and hormone tests are performed for the identification purpose of testosterone levels and other hormones that are related to male infertility.
Yoga for Male Infertility
There are various poses and practices to improve your reproductive health so looking at the recommended poses for the people diagnosed with male fertility are sarvangasana, halasana, and bhujangasana. Also, yoga enhances your blood circulation, reduces stress, and supports hormonal balance.
Smoking and Male Infertility
Effects of Smoking on Sperm Health! Yes, if you are a chronic smoker or a person who has a smoking habit more than a limit then you must know that it reduces sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity—also smoking increases oxidative stress, leading to infertility.
Conclusion
You might think male infertility is a challenging problem but you also must know that it is not an insurmountable one. Advances in medical science and lifestyle changes bring hope and workable solutions for most men in this condition. Infertility challenges can be overcome with open communication, early diagnosis with proper management process.