Male infertility

What is Male Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse. Approximately 15% of couples are infertile, and male factors play a role in about half of these cases.

It is typically caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent sperm delivery.

Not being able to conceive can be stressful, but many treatments are available.

Symptoms

The main sign is the inability to conceive. However, underlying conditions may cause other signs:

• Sexual Function Issues: Difficulty ejaculating, low sex drive, or erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Testicle Issues: Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area.
• Physical Signs: Decreased facial/body hair (signaling hormonal or chromosomal abnormalities).
• Low Sperm Count: Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
See a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, or if you have a history of prostate problems, testicle surgery, or groin injuries.

Causes

Male fertility is complex. Sperm must be produced, transported into semen, and be functional enough to penetrate an egg.

1. Medical Causes

• Varicocele: A swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. This is the most common reversible cause of male infertility (it overheats the testicle).
• Infection: STIs like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, or inflammation like Prostatitis can block sperm passage.
• Ejaculation Issues: "Retrograde ejaculation" occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging from the penis (common in diabetics).
• Hormone Imbalances: Low testosterone (Hypogonadism) affects sperm production.
• Chromosome Defects: Genetic conditions like Klinefelter's syndrome.

2. Environmental Causes

Overexposure to certain elements can reduce sperm production:

• Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, and lead.
• Radiation: X-rays can permanently reduce sperm production at high doses.
• Overheating: Frequent use of saunas, hot tubs, or sitting for long periods can raise scrotal temperature and lower sperm count.

3. Lifestyle Causes

• Drugs & Alcohol: Anabolic steroids shrink testicles. Alcohol lowers testosterone.
• Smoking: Smokers often have lower sperm counts than non-smokers.
• Weight: Obesity causes hormonal changes that impact fertility.
• Stress: Severe emotional stress can interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing infertility usually requires testing both partners. For men, tests include:

• Semen Analysis: The most critical test. You provide a sample to measure sperm count, shape (morphology), and movement (motility).
• Scrotal Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to check for Varicocele or other obstructions.
• Hormone Testing: Blood tests to check testosterone levels.
• Post-ejaculation Urinalysis: Checks for sperm in urine (Retrograde ejaculation).
• Genetic Tests: To check for Y-chromosome abnormalities.

Treatment Options

Doctors try to improve fertility by correcting the underlying problem. Treatments often work well.

1. Medical & Surgical

• Surgery: Varicoceles can be surgically corrected. Vasectomies can often be reversed.
• Treating Infections: Antibiotics can cure reproductive tract infections.
• Hormone Treatments: Replacement therapy for high or low hormone levels.

2. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

If natural conception isn't possible, ART is a powerful option:

• Sperm Retrieval: Sperm is surgically extracted directly from the testicles (if blockage exists).
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Mixing sperm and egg in a lab.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Injecting a single healthy sperm directly into an egg.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.