In the simplest terms, male infertility is the inability of a man to impregnate a woman. Problems found in the reproductive system of men contribute to infertility problems in about 40% of cases. About one in 20 men have low numbers of sperm, causing mail infertility. However, only about one in every 100 men has no sperm at all.
For a woman to conceive a child, a male’s sperm should be able to fertilise the female eggs. Pregnancy highly depends on the quality and quantity of the sperm. If the sperm is of poor quality or if the sperm motility is low, a woman faces trouble conceiving. Chronic health problems, injuries, illnesses, and lifestyle choices are the most common factors that may contribute to male infertility.
What causes male infertility?
The most common causes that lead to male infertility include problems in testicles and sperm. Other reasons for male infertility may include abnormalities in the ducts in the male reproductive organs, hormone imbalances and certain lifestyle habits. Let’s understand the possible causes of infertility in men.
- Smoking – Inhaling tobacco can have a significant negative effect on sperm health. Nicotine and tobacco can cause oxidative stress in the body that impacts sperm quality and potential fertilization. Smoking also hampers sperm development motility.
- Varicocele – The condition of blocked and enlarged veins around the testicles is known as varicocele. The condition can cause infertility by increasing the temperature of the scrotum and decreasing sperm production. The only way to prevent varicocele from causing male infertility is proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Genital injuries – Testicular injuries have the potential of leading to male infertility in the future. Genital injury is one of the main reason for low sperm production in males.
- Erectile dysfunction – Erectile dysfunction may not directly cause infertility but the condition has the same root causes and is often seen as a major contributor to male infertility.
- Obesity – Men with BMI above 30 can suffer from infertility. The accumulation of fats can have a negative impact on the metabolism of testosterone, the hormones responsible for sexual activities in males. Imbalance in the male hormone may cause low sperm development and alterations in the sperm DNA.
- Genital infections – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhoea is a potential cause of male infertility. Genital infections affect sperm quality and the microorganisms may cause obstruction in the way sperm flows.
- Genital obstruction – Blockages or obstructions in the tubes leading from the testicles to the penis can impact sperm ejaculation.
What are the symptoms of male infertility?
In most cases, there is no obvious sign of infertility in men. You may be able to indulge ins sexual activities and even your sperm may look normal to the naked eyes. The most important sign of infertility in men is the inability to conceive a child. In other cases, there may be inherited disorders, hormonal imbalances and testicular pain. Some signs and symptoms that one may notice under such conditions include:
- reduced sexual desire
- difficulty ejaculating
- erectile dysfunction
- a lump around the testicle area
- chronic respiratory infections
How can male infertility be treated?
There is no one-fit-all treatment for male infertility. If a male suffers from sexual problems or symptoms that can indicate male infertility, it is important to undergo a thorough consultation with a urologist or fertility specialist. You can undergo male infertility treatment in Gurgaon from Pristyn Care. The treatment of a man’s infertility issues depends on the root cause of the problem.
The doctor may conduct a general physical examination and a semen analysis to check for abnormalities in the sperm shape, and motility. Depending upon the exact cause of the problem, the doctor will recommend treatments and procedures that may help the couple conceive a baby.
- Surgery – If male infertility is caused due to varicocele, surgical removal of the damaged veins is the only effective way out.
- Antibiotics – Infections in the male genital tract can often be treated with antibiotics. Using antibiotics do not guarantee effective fertility, but may help get rid of the harmful microorganisms in the genitals.
- Treatments for sexual intercourse – A man suffering from premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction may resort to counselling and medications.
- Hormone therapy – If infertility is caused due to an imbalance in the hormone levels, the man may be suggested undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
Male infertility cannot be prevented. However, there are lifestyle habits that you can follow to prevent the causes of male infertility.
- Don’t smoke
- Cut down on alcohol consumption
- Don’t get a vasectomy
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce stress
- Quit consuming illicit drugs
- Avoid exposing the genitals to heat
- Do not hot showers for too long
If you experience any symptoms of male infertility or face problems related to sexual activities, you can consult with experienced fertility specialists who rule out potential complications. In case, the symptoms and the causes of infertility cannot be altered, you and your partner may still resort to artificial reproductive techniques like IVF and IUI in the hands of some highly experienced infertility specialists at Pristyn Care.