Causes of infertility in men

One in six couples suffer from infertility. The term infertility is used when the ability to become pregnant is diminished or absent. It does not at all mean that you are unable to have children but it means that you may require treatment or assistance from an expert to achieve a pregnancy.

Infertility issues in a couple can be divided into
40% due to female factors
40% due to male factors
20% mixed or unexplained reasons

We discussed regarding the female factors for infertility in our article

Here, we discuss in detail the male factors responsible for infertility in couples

MALE INFERTILITY ISSUES CAN BE DUE TO

1. Lifestyle changes.
2. Damage to sperm production.
3. Obstruction issues with respect to the male reproductive system.
4. Functional issues.
5. Hormonal derangement.
6. Genetic problems.

So you may like to know the list of things and habits that you can change in order to maximize your pregnancy chances!

SUGGESTED LIFESTYLE CHANGES

• Stop smoking.
• Restrict your alcohol intake.
• Say no to marijuana, cocaine and heroin.
• Keep your testicles cool by wearing boxers and avoid hot showers, spas and hot sauna baths.
• Well-balanced diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight range.
• Cut back on caffeine.
• Exercise but with caution.
• Avoid using lubricants.
• Avoid the use of chemicals in pesticides, painting or people in printing occupation.

SPERM PRODUCTION ISSUES CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN CONCEPTION

• low sperm count or oligospermia.
• Poor sperm motility or asthenozoospermia.
• Abnormally shaped sperms or Teratozoospermia.
• Totally absent sperms or azoospermia.
• Varicocele or swollen varicose veins of the scrotum may also affect sperm quality n quantity.
• testicular cancer, testicular injury, undescended testes, a twisted testis or a testicular torsion can also lead to sperm production issues.

OBSTRUCTION ISSUES CAN OCCUR DUE TO

• Infection
• Congenital causes

FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS LIKE

• Impotence may cause an erection that is insufficient for sexual intercourse.
• Failure to ejaculate or premature ejaculation or ejaculation backward in the bladder also called retrograde ejaculation may also lead to fertility issues.
• Presence of other diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorder or multiple sclerosis can cause erection and ejaculatory difficulties.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Presence of Anti sperm antibodies in semen.

GENETIC PROBLEMS

Micro deletion of the Y chromosome present in men may cause deletion of a very small amount of genetic information and in turn, is associated with loss of sperm production. These micro deletion’s are the cause of infertility in up to 15% of men with low or absent sperm.

UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY

This is defined as not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, even though the cycle is normal, semen is normal, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic findings are normal and there is normal sperm penetration and frequency of intercourse.

Emotionally this is frustrating and stressful for the couple. Depending on the woman’s age, a couple should decide whether to continue trying naturally or take a fast track towards assisted reproductive technology or IVF treatments.

For more information on Fertility, please check our other videos