Male infertility is any health issue in male partners of a couple due to which they cannot have kids. According to research, “The male is solely responsible for about 20% and is a contributing factor in another 30% to 40% of all infertility cases” (National Library of Medicine). A disorder of the reproductive system is infertility. It prevents a person from becoming a parent. Either a guy, a woman, or both may be impacted.
When a man experiences male infertility, his reproductive system is abnormal. It means that you and your female partner cannot become pregnant. There are many reasons behind this issue which can be medical, physical, or mental. Scientists and Doctors have already found many solutions for male infertility.
8 Causes of Male Infertility
Complications can prevent sperm cells from developing. The sperm may encounter obstacles on the way to the egg. Even the scrotum’s heat can impact fertility. But here are some common reasons for male infertility, Sperm Disorders, Varicoceles, Obstruction, Retrograde Ejaculation, Erectile Dysfunction, Immunologic Infertility, Hormones, and Medication.
1. Sperm Disorder
Problems with sperm might result from genetic characteristics. Changing your lifestyle may result in less sperm. The quantity of sperm can be reduced by smoking, drinking alcohol, and using specific drugs. Other factors contributing to low sperm counts include chronic illnesses, including kidney failure, childhood infections like the mumps, and chromosomal or hormonal issues (such as low testosterone).
Low or no sperm production may result from reproductive system damage. An obstruction inside the tubes the sperm pass through is present in about 40% of men who have azoospermia, or absolute lack of sperm. An illness or a congenital abnormality may bring on a blockage.
2. Varicoceles
When the scrotal veins that carry blood away from the testis (testicle) enlarge and expand abnormally, they develop a varicocele. They prevent normal blood drainage, which delays the growth of sperm. Blood may return into your scrotum from your belly as a result of varicoceles. The testicles become too heated at that point to produce sperm. Low sperm counts may result from this.
3. Obstruction
It is a blockage in vessels between the testicles and penis, which is a primary reason for infertility. Sperm can occasionally become obstructed as they move through the tubes. Blockage may be brought on by secondary infections, surgery (such as a vasectomy), inflammation, or developmental flaws.
The male reproductive system can be inhibited at any point. Sperm from the testicles cannot exit the body after ejaculation if there is a barrier.
4. Retrograde Ejaculation
Surgery, medicine, or nervous system health issues can all lead to retrograde ejaculation. Its common symptoms include lower fluid or “dry” orgasms and cloudy urination after ejaculation. In this condition, Semen does not pass to the vagina; instead, it travels back. It does not reach back to the body but stays in the bladder. It happens when the bladder’s vessels do not expand or contract during ejaculation. This can cause male infertility.
5. Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation
When an erection that is strong enough for sex is difficult to obtain or maintain, it is known as erectile dysfunction. When a male cannot have an erection, his penis cannot transfer enough sperms to the vagina to make a woman pregnant.
Many people with erectile dysfunctions also face premature ejaculations. Women’s ovaries do not respond too soon to these intercourses, so most women do not get pregnant with the male person having these issues.
6. Antibodies Issue
This reason is not very common in males. But, it can appear rarely. Male bodies develop antibodies to fight many diseases, injuries, and infections. These antibodies attack sperm and restrict its movement, which is a reason for male infertility.
7. Hormones
The pituitary gland releases hormones that instruct the testicles to produce sperm. Hence, low hormone levels result in inadequate sperm development, which causes male infertility.
8. Medication
Certain drugs may alter sperm function, generation, and delivery. The most common medical conditions for which these drugs are prescribed include arthritis, depression, digestive issues, anxiety or depressive disorders, infections, high blood pressure, and cancer.
How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Male fertility problems might be challenging to diagnose. Most frequently, sperm delivery or production issues arise. A thorough history and physical exam are the first steps in the diagnosis. Your healthcare practitioner may also request blood tests and testing on the Semen.
Continuing reading for some standard medical methods:
Physical Analysis
Your penis, vas deferens, epididymis, and testicles will be examined for any issues during the physical examination. Doctors can check the varicocele issue in the physical inspection of the patients. A physical exam will quickly reveal the main biological reason behind this infertility.
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis can check the number of sperm and sperm production. A standard lab test is the examination of Semen. It aids in determining the volume of sperm production and whether sperm are in good condition. If the test results show irregular sperm counts, it is often performed at least twice. A sample of Semen is examined. It can be examined for elements that promote or inhibit conception.
Testicular Biopsy
This is done for guys whose sperm counts are very low or nonexistent. If a man produces healthy sperm, a testicular biopsy with a needle might reveal this. Therefore, when a testicle has a lot of healthy sperm, there is probably some obstruction.
Ultrasound
In the rectus, a probe is inserted. The neighboring ejaculatory ducts receive sound waves from it. The medical professional can determine whether organs like the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory duct are abnormal or closed.
Biological Profile
The doctor could check your hormone levels. To find out how successfully your testicles produce sperm. Additionally, it can rule out serious health issues.
Treatments for Male Infertility
Male infertility treatments are based on the reasons behind this issue. Every issue has its solution. Your doctor can help you adjust your activities if any component of your lifestyle is the root of your infertility. They can also identify alternatives if your medicine for a medical problem may be causing your infertility.
Your doctor might suggest hormonal therapy or other medications to address your infertility. If varicocele or urogenital tract blockages are the roots of your infertility, surgeries can be carried out to treat them.
In case you and your partner are unable to conceive naturally, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may be able to help. Intrauterine insemination is also a solution in which sperms are directly injected into a woman’s uterus. In another technique, sperm and women’s eggs were collected, mixed in a test tube, and then placed in the woman’s uterus to make her pregnant. Sperm injections are also used to treat male infertility.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/male-infertility
https://www.healthymale.org.au/mens-health/male-infertility
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/male-infertility-treatments
