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Low sperm production, poor sperm function, or sperm delivery obstructions may all contribute to male infertility. Male infertility may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including illnesses, injuries, chronic health issues, lifestyle choices, and more.
Symptoms Of Male Fertility
The inability to conceive is the main sign of infertility in men. There may not be any other noticeable indications or symptoms.In certain situations, however, symptoms are caused by an underlying issue such as a hereditary illness, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins surrounding the testicle, or a condition that prevents sperm from passing through. You may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Problems with sexual function, such as trouble with ejaculation or tiny amounts of fluid ejaculated, decreased sexual desire, or problems sustaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- A lump, swelling, or pain around the testicles
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Inability to smell
- Abnormal breast growth (gynaecomastia)
- Symptoms of a chromosomal or hormonal disorder include decreased face or body hair
- A lower-than-normal sperm count (less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or less than 39 million sperm per ejaculate)
Male fertility is a complicated process. The following must happen:
- You must make healthy sperm: Initially, this includes the development of male reproductive organs throughout puberty. To start and maintain sperm production, at least one of your testicles has to function correctly, and your body needs to produce testosterone and other substances.
- Sperm must be transported into the semen: Once sperm is created in the testicles, it is transported via delicate tubes until it mixes with semen and is ejaculated from the penis.
- There must be enough sperm in the semen: If you have a low sperm count, the chances of one of your sperm fertilising your partner's egg drop. Fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or fewer than 39 million sperm per ejaculate is considered a low sperm count.
- Sperm must be functional and capable of moving: If your sperm has defective motility or function, it may be unable to reach or enter your partner's egg.
What Are The Signs Of Unhealthy Sperm?
The major indication of male infertility is the inability to conceive biological children. However, male infertility may cause a variety of psychological and emotional issues, such as:- Depression
- Loss
- Grief
- Inadequacy
- Failure
Male infertility is often linked to decreased testosterone production in the testicles. Symptoms of this condition may include fatigue, impotence, depression, weight gain, and apathy. If you or your partner are experiencing these symptoms, consult with a male infertility specialist or a reproductive endocrinologist.
Causes Of Male Infertility
Medical causes
A variety of health conditions and medical procedures may contribute to male fertility issues:- Varicocele
- Infection
- Ejaculation problems
- Antibodies against sperm
- Tumours
- Undescended testicles
- Hormone imbalance
- Defects in the sperm tubules
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Problems with sexual activity
- Coeliac Disease
- Certain medicines. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid usage, cancer treatments (chemotherapy), certain ulcer and arthritis medicines, and some other medications might damage sperm production and reduce male fertility.
- Prior surgery
Environmental causes
Overexposure to environmental factors such as heat, pollutants, and chemicals might impair sperm production or function. Specific causes include:- Industrial chemicals: Long-term exposure to some chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, and painting materials may lead to decreased sperm count.
- Heavy metals exposure: Lead and other heavy metals may also cause infertility.
- Radiation, or X-rays: Radiation exposure may impair sperm production, although it usually returns to normal over time.
- Overheating the testicles: Elevated temperatures may decrease sperm production and function. Although research is sparse and inconsistent, regular use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily reduce sperm counts.
Health, lifestyle, and other factors
Some additional reasons for male infertility are:- Drug usage: Anabolic drugs used to increase muscular strength and development may cause testicles to shrink and sperm production to decline. The use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily diminish the quantity and quality of your sperm.
- Alcohol usage: Drinking alcohol may diminish testosterone levels, induce erectile dysfunction, and reduce sperm production. Excessive alcohol use may induce liver damage, which can lead to reproductive issues.
- Tobacco smoking: Men who smoke may have lower sperm counts than non-smokers. Secondhand smoking may potentially have an effect on male fertility.
- Weight: Obesity may decrease fertility in a variety of ways, including directly affecting sperm and generating hormonal changes that lower male fertility.
Who Does Male Infertility Affect?
Your chances of experiencing male infertility may increase if you:- Have a BMI higher than 25 (overweight/obese)
- Are 40 years or older
- Exposed to radiation
- Have been exposed to environmental pollutants such as lead, calcium, pesticides, and mercury.
- Consume tobacco, marijuana, or alcohol
- Take some medication, such as flutamide, spironolactone, and bicalutamide.
- Spend a lot of time in environments that boost the temperature of your testicles, such as saunas or hot baths. Using a wheelchair may also raise the warmth of your testicles.
- Have a history of undescended testicles
- Have a history of varicocele
- Take testosterone to address low testosterone levels
Prevention
Male infertility is not always avoidable. However, you may attempt to prevent certain common reasons for male infertility. For example:- Do not smoke
- Limit or abstain from alcohol
- Avoid unlawful drugs
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Don't undergo a vasectomy
- Avoid substances that cause extended heat in the testicles
- Reduce stress
- Avoid pesticides, heavy metals, and other poisons
How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
A primary care physician (PCP) may identify male infertility. They may also send you to a urologist specialising in male infertility or a reproductive endocrinologist.A PCP will do a thorough physical examination to assess your general health and discover any physical issues that may impact your fertility. They may also ask you and your partner questions about your sexual habits and medical history, such as:
- How long have you been trying for pregnancy?
- Have you ever tested positive for STIs? If so, which STI, and when?
- Have you ever been treated for an STI?
- Have you ever used contraception (birth control)? If so, which ones and when?
- Has a medical professional diagnosed any of your biological family members with male infertility?
- Do you smoke, drink, or use recreational/nonprescription drugs?
- What medication do you take?
What Tests Will Be Used To Determine Male Infertility?
A semen analysis is one of the most common tests used by healthcare practitioners to identify male infertility. It is a laboratory test on a sperm sample that looks at the quantity and quality of your sperm.A clinician may also prescribe the following tests to assist in identifying or ruling out the reason for male infertility:
- Imaging testing: Noninvasive procedures like ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used, as well as invasive examinations such as venograms.
- Blood testing: Blood testing may detect hormonal imbalances as well as genetic or chromosomal disorders.
- Urine analysis (test): A urine test may help detect STIs and diabetes.
- A testicular biopsy: A physician will take a tiny sample of testicular tissue to assess how successfully your testicles generate sperm.
When To See A Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you have not been able to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or if you have any of the following:- Erection or ejaculation disorders, poor sex desire, or other sexual function issues
- Pain, discomfort, lump, or swelling in the testicle area
- A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual issues
- Surgery on the groin, penis, testicles, or scrotum
- A partner above the age of 35
FAQs on Understanding Male Infertility: Symptoms and Causes
- How do guys determine whether they are infertile?
While there may not be any evident indicators of male infertility, there are a few warning signals to watch out for, such as trouble ejaculating - either no ejaculation or a very low amount of semen. - How can I check male fertility?
This entails testing a sample of your semen to determine the number of sperm present. The test also measures the speed and morphology of your sperm. If the findings of your semen analysis test reveal a potential issue, you will be scheduled for another test around three months following the first.
