Male Infertility
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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There are many reasons why a man may be unable to conceive, but one of the most common causes is lack of sperm motility. Low motility makes it difficult for the sperm to travel to the woman's egg, and an imbalance of hormones or testosterone may be responsible. Other causes include emotional conditions and spinal cord injuries. To learn more, read the articles below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Symptoms
One of the most common causes of infertility is sexual dysfunction, which affects approximately 5% of couples. Proper stimulation of the testicles by pituitary hormones is essential for sperm to mature into healthy embryos. Likewise, timing of intercourse is vital for sperm to reach the uterus. This is because sperm have a 48-hour window of viability in the female reproductive tract. However, infertility often doesn't manifest symptoms until after a couple has tried unsuccessfully for years.
In some men, genetic conditions are responsible for infertility. Genetic abnormalities are new to science, but some are hereditary. A test for white blood cells can reveal a number of problems, including an increased risk of obstruction and sperm damage. Some conditions also affect the development of the male reproductive tract, resulting in sperm tubes that are not formed properly. Genetic conditions can be difficult to diagnose, but it's important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Another reason for male infertility is poor-quality semen, the fluid ejaculated during sex. Poor-quality sperm can also be caused by infections. While infections may not cause infertility, they can interfere with sperm production and health. Some types of infections can lead to scarring or even damage to the testicles. In either case, most sperm are still removed from the testicles.
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A medical diagnosis for male infertility is based on a series of tests. First, a healthcare provider will determine the presence of a hormonal imbalance, if any. Semen samples will be tested in both partners. If the sperm count is low, testicular failure may be the cause. In other cases, an increased level of FSH in combination with low testosterone may indicate a pituitary tumor. Further tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis.
Several other symptoms of male infertility can be overlooked. These include the loss of libido, thinning hair, and reduced desire for sexual activity. The change in sexual desire is not always indicative of infertility, but it can be a warning sign. However, it is always better to seek medical attention before allowing an infertile man to continue with his sexual life. There are also several treatments for male infertility, including testosterone medications.
Causes
One of the most common causes of male infertility is an imbalance of hormones. If this is the case, your healthcare provider can prescribe hormone treatment to balance your hormone levels and help you conceive a child. Other causes of male infertility include a hormone imbalance in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or testes. Surgical procedures, hormone replacement therapy, and antibiotics can correct these problems and improve your sperm count.
A more recent study found that 15 percent of couples of childbearing age do not achieve a desired pregnancy within 12 months. In fact, more than half of involuntary childlessness couples are infertile due to abnormal semen parameters. Although the causes of male infertility are many, they are not always related. This is because male infertility is heterogeneous, meaning that there are a variety of causes.
Lifestyle factors can have a detrimental effect on male fertility. Smoking, alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and obesity have been linked to a global decline in human sperm quality. Other factors can negatively affect sperm quality, including intensive training and excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones. Additionally, certain medications may impair the production of sperm. In some cases, male cancer patients should be aware of the consequences of these medical treatments.
Other causes of male infertility include physical problems in the reproductive system and hormonal imbalance. A blocked or infected urethra can affect spermatogenesis and impair conception. Surgical procedures can also result in a blocked urethra. In addition to blockages in the reproductive system, diseases such as liver and kidney disease can cause male infertility. Sometimes, age-related issues can cause male infertility.
Some men cannot conceive because of a chromosome disorder. Genetic problems are hereditary or new and can result in male infertility. These conditions cause abnormal development of male reproductive organs and are most common in men with no sperm in the ejaculate. Infections can also damage the sperm tubes. Genetic syndromes that cause male infertility may be inherited.
Treatments
While most people associate male infertility with women, males also contribute to the problem. Around forty to fifty percent of all cases of infertility are caused by male factors. Some of the most common symptoms associated with male infertility include poor sperm movement and low sperm count. Some men even have insufficient ejaculation. In such cases, treatments are recommended to increase sperm production.
Assisted reproductive techniques include IUI (in-vitro insemination), which is often prescribed for men with low sperm concentration or motility. This technique is also recommended when the underlying cause of male infertility cannot be determined. The process involves washing sperm and removing any prostaglandins that could interfere with conception. This treatment produces a high concentration of healthy sperm that are suitable for fertilization.
Male infertility is a common medical condition and one-third of couples will experience it in their lifetime. Despite its low prevalence, treatments for male infertility are effective. Some of these methods can reduce exposure to heat or surgically remove the testicles to facilitate sperm passage. Some men may also have problems with the pituitary gland and/or testicles, which may lead to the loss of sperm.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a laboratory procedure used to induce fertilization. This procedure was originally developed for men with very low sperm counts. In this procedure, an embryologist will isolate a single, healthy sperm and inject it into the egg. Many men have successfully conceived with this method. Donor sperm may also be used. Some men may choose to use donor sperm, which is an option for men who do not have adequate sperm counts.
Microsurgical procedures are also popular treatments for male infertility. Some men may have enlarged varicose veins around the testicle, which can affect sperm production. Microsurgical procedures for varicocele can ligate the veins, leading to healthier semen and natural conception as soon as three months. Other causes of infertility include blockages in the prostate or ejaculatory ducts. If these areas are blocked, a small camera can be used to remove blockages and restore a clear path for semen to exit the body.
Complications
Some of the common male infertility complications include problems with erectile function, premature ejaculation, and painful intercourse. They may also be caused by underlying illnesses, such as hormone imbalances, genetic disorders, and dilated veins around the testicle. Some complications of male infertility can be attributed to sexual dysfunction, and some medications may impair sperm production.
Some of the more common causes of male infertility are associated with abnormal testicular development, such as varicocele. In some cases, these conditions may even be associated with irregular menstrual cycles. Repairing a varicocele may improve sperm function and production and may be a good candidate for assisted reproductive techniques. But before you undergo a procedure, be sure to discuss all the risks and side effects with a doctor.
A physician will perform a variety of tests and analyses on the husband's sperm before recommending a course of treatment. A low sperm count or obstructed passage may result in premature ejaculation and may also affect the number of sperm a woman can produce. Smoking and poor hygiene can also impair sperm production. Genetic factors can also lead to abnormal sperm, which should be checked. Male infertility complications are usually referred to a Urology unit in a hospital.
Some other male infertility complications are caused by infection in the male urogenital tract. This can affect the reproductive process at different stages, including the development of germ cells and viability of the new-born. Infection of the male urogenital system can also pose a health risk. An infection of the upper genital tract can lead to the contamination of semen, and certain STIs may be asymptomatic, resulting in the male partner remaining undiagnosed or untreated.
