Nearly one
in every seven couples is infertile, meaning they haven't been able to conceive
despite having had frequent, unprotected sexual contact for a year or longer.
Male infertility plays at least a partial role in up to half of these couples.
Low sperm
production, poor sperm function, or sperm delivery obstructions can all
contribute to male infertility. Male infertility can be caused by illnesses,
injuries, persistent health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors.
The inability to conceive a child can be stressful and disappointing, but male
infertility can be treated in a variety of ways.
The Symptoms
The inability to conceive a child is the most common symptom
of male infertility. There could be no other visible symptoms or indicators.
However, in certain situations, signs and symptoms are caused
by an underlying problem such as a genetic ailment, hormonal imbalance, dilated
veins around the testicle, or a condition that prevents sperm from passing
through. You may notice the following signs and symptoms:
Sexual function issues, such as difficulties ejaculating or
ejaculating little amounts of fluid, decreased sexual desire, or problems
keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
1.
In
the testicular area, there may be a pain, swelling, or a lump.
2.
Respiratory
illnesses that recur
3.
Inability
to detect odor
4.
Breast the growth that isn't normal (gynecomastia)
5.
Hair
loss on the face or body, as well as other symptoms of chromosomal or hormonal
abnormalities
6.
A
sperm count that is lower than usual (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per
ejaculate)
When should you see a
doctor?
If you haven't been able to conceive after a year of regular,
unprotected intercourse, or if you have any of the following symptoms, see a
doctor:
1.
Problems
with erection or ejaculation, low sex drive, or other sexual function issues
2.
In
the testicular area, there may be pain, discomfort, a lump, or swelling.
3.
Testicular,
prostate, or sexual disorders in the past
4.
Surgery
on the groin, testicles, penis, or scrotum
5.
An a companion who is over 35 years old
The Causes
Fertility in
man is a complicated process. The following events must occur in order for your spouse to become pregnant:
Healthy sperm must be produced.
This begins
with the development and enlargement of the male reproductive organs during
puberty. To trigger and maintain sperm production, at least one of your
testicles must be working properly, and your body must create testosterone and
other substances.
Sperm must be transported into the
sperm.
When sperm
are created in the testicles, they are transported through delicate tubes until
they mingle with semen and are ejected from the penis.
A sufficient
amount of sperm must be present in the sperm.
If your
sperm count (the quantity of sperm in your sperm) is low, the chances of one of
your sperm fertilizing your partner's egg are slim. A sperm count of less than
15 million per milliliter of sperm or less than 39 million per ejaculate is
considered poor.
Sperm must be able to migrate and be
functional.
Your sperm
may not be able to reach or penetrate your partner's egg if the movement
(motility) or function of your sperm is abnormal.
Medical reasons
Male
fertility troubles can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and
therapies, including:
Varicocele
A varicocele
is an enlargement of the veins draining the testis? It's the most common cause
of male infertility that can be reversed. Although the actual cause of
infertility caused by varicoceles is unknown, it is thought to be connected to
irregular blood flow. Varicoceles cause sperm quantity and quality to be
lowered.
Infection
Some
illnesses can affect sperm production or health, or induce scarring that prevents
sperm from passing through. Some sexually transmitted illnesses, such as
gonorrhea or HIV, cause inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or
testicles (orchitis). Despite the fact that some infections might result in
irreversible testicular damage, sperm can usually be recovered.
Problems with ejaculation
During
climax, semen enters the bladder instead of exiting out the tip of the penis,
resulting in retrograde ejaculation. Diabetes, spinal injuries, drugs, and
bladder, prostate, or urethra surgery are all examples of health issues that
might cause retrograde ejaculation.
Antibodies that attack sperm
Anti-sperm
antibodies are immune system cells that misinterpret sperm for hazardous
invaders and try to destroy them.
Tumors
Male
reproductive organs can be affected directly by cancers and nonmalignant
tumors, or indirectly through glands that release hormones associated to
reproduction, such as the pituitary gland. Male fertility can be affected by
surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy used to treat malignancies in some
situations.
Testicles that haven't descended
One or both
testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally holds the
testicles in some males during fetal development (scrotum). Men who have experienced
this disorder are more likely to have lower fertility.
Hormone imbalances are a common
problem.
Infertility
can be caused by problems with the testicles or by problems with other hormonal
systems such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Low
testosterone (male hypogonadism) and other hormonal issues can be caused by a
variety of factors.
Tubule defects that carry sperm
Sperm is
carried in a variety of tubes. They can be obstructed for a variety of reasons,
including surgical accidental harm, past infections, trauma, or improper
growth, such as in cystic fibrosis or other genetic disorders.
The
testicle, the tubes that drain the testicle, the epididymis, the vas deferens,
the ejaculatory ducts and the urethra can all become blocked.
Defects in the chromosomes
Boy
reproductive organs develop abnormally in inherited illnesses such
Klinefelter's syndrome, in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one
Y chromosome (rather than one X and one Y). Cystic fibrosis and Kallmann's
syndrome are two more genetic diseases linked to infertility.
Sexual intercourse difficulties
Erectile
dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, anatomical
abnormalities such as a urethral opening beneath the penis (hypospadias), or
psychological or relational problems that interfere with sex are examples of
these.
Celiac disease is a type of gluten
intolerance
Celiac disease is a digestive ailment characterized by a sensitivity to gluten, a
gluten-like protein present in wheat. Male infertility may be exacerbated by
the disease. Adopting a gluten-free diet may help with fertility.
Medications in particular
Testosterone
replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer therapies
(chemotherapy), some ulcer drugs, some arthritis drugs, and other pharmaceuticals
can reduce male fertility.
Surgical procedures performed
previously.
Ecological
causes
Overexposure to certain environmental elements, such as heat, pollutants,
and chemicals can cause sperm production and function to be reduced. The
following are examples of specific causes:
Chemicals
used in industry
Low sperm counts may be caused by prolonged exposure to certain
chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, and painting materials.
Exposure
to heavy metal
Infertility can also be caused by exposure to lead or other heavy metals.
X-rays or
radiation
Radiation can impair sperm production, but it usually returns to normal
after a while. Sperm production can be permanently impaired by strong amounts
of radiation.
The
testicles are overheated
Sperm production and function may be harmed by high temperatures.
Although research on the subject is scarce and contradictory, frequent usage of
saunas or hot tubs may temporarily reduce sperm count.
Sitting for lengthy amounts of time, wearing tight clothing, or working
on a laptop computer for long lengths of time can all raise scrotal temperature
and limit sperm production. However, the study isn't definitive.
Vasectomy,
scrotal or testicular surgery, prostate surgery, and big abdominal procedures
for testicular and prostate cancer may all prohibit you from having sperm in
your ejaculate.
Causes include health, lifestyle, and
other factors
Other
factors that contribute to male infertility include:
The usage of drugs
Anabolic
steroids, which are used to increase muscle strength and growth, can shrink the
testicles and reduce sperm production. Cocaine or marijuana use might reduce
the quantity and quality of your sperm for a short period of time.
Use of alcoholic beverages
Alcohol
consumption lowers testosterone levels, causes erectile dysfunction, and
reduces sperm production. Excessive drinking can induce liver damage, which can
lead to fertility issues.
Tobacco consumption
Men who
smoke may have a decreased sperm count than men who do not. Male fertility may
also be harmed by secondhand smoke.
Weight
Obesity can
affect male fertility in a variety of ways, including directly affecting sperm or
generating hormone changes that lower male fertility.
Factors that are at risk
Male
infertility is connected to a number of risk factors, including:
1. Tobacco smoking
2. Using alcoholic beverages
3. Using some illegal substances
4. Being overweight is a problem.
5. Having had or currently having
certain infections
6. Having to deal with toxins
7. Testicles that have been overheated
8. Having been through a testicular
trauma
9. Having had a vasectomy or other major
abdominal or pelvic surgery in the past
1Having
a blood relative with a reproductive disease or being born with a fertility
disorder
11.Having some medical issues, such as
tumors or persistent disorders like sickle cell disease
Taking
some medications or receiving medical treatments for cancer, such as surgery or
radiation
The Complications
Male infertility
complications can include:
1. The inability to have a kid causes stress
and relationship problems
2. Expensive and time-consuming
reproductive methods
3. Testicular cancer, melanoma, colon
cancer and prostate cancer are all at a higher risk.
4. Having a history of testicles that
haven't descended
Prevention
Infertility
in men isn't always avoidable. You can, however, strive to prevent some of the
most common causes of male infertility. Consider the following scenario:
Please don't smoke.
1. Alcohol should be consumed in
moderation or not at all.
2. Stay away from illegal drugs.
3. Maintain a healthy body mass index
(BMI).
4. A vasectomy is not a good idea.
5. Things that cause the testicles to
get hot for an extended period of time should be avoided.
6. Reduce your stress levels.
7.
Pesticides,
heavy metals and other poisons should be avoided.
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