Male Infertility
Male infertility is a condition where the male in a relationship affects the child-bearing ability of the woman. When couples are not able to conceive even after having unprotected sex over a long period of time, it is important that men, as well as women, get screened for fertility.
Infertility in men is often caused by problems with making sperm or getting the sperm to reach the egg.
Sperm Production Problems
Problems with sperm may exist from birth or develop later in life due to illness or injury.
Sperm production problems: The quality and quantity of sperm are the key factors for male fertility. Any defect such as immature sperm or low sperm count (oligospermia) can lead to infertility.
Causes Of Low Sperm Counts
Some men produce no sperm or produce too few sperm. Lifestyle can influence the number and quality of a man’s sperm.
Alcohol and drugs can temporarily reduce sperm quality. Environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead, may cause some cases of infertility in men.
One-third of all infertility cases have been linked solely to issues with the male partner. Male fertility may be impaired by a number of factors.
Other Causes Of Male Infertility
Other causes of Male Infertility:
- Varicoceles: This is a condition characterized by swelling of the veins that supply the testicle.
- Backward ejaculation of the sperm
- Blockage of the sperm-carrying ducts
- Development of sperm antibodies (auto-immune disorder)
- Hormonal/stress problems
- Infections/tumours of the male reproductive system
- Genetics (chromosomal disorders)
- Sexual problems
- Use of certain medications such as steroids
- Excessive radiation exposure affects sperm production.
- Work-related causes (example: laptop use elevates the temperature of the testes leading to low sperm production)
- Smoking and alcohol abuse
