Male infertility is real and often the most reason behind a childless marriage. However, not everyone likes to talk about male infertility, but you are at the right place because here are some 5 common causes behind male infertility.
There can be a long list of causes for Infertility in Men. However, with research, it has been unfolded that there are Five (5) of such common causes that are prevalent in most of the infertile men across the globe. These reasons are outlined and explained as follows:
- Smoking, Alcohol & Drug Addiction
Research has proven that excessive smoking, alcohol consumption as well as the addition to different types of drugs and substances can negatively affect fertility in men. For instance increased consumption of alcohol has a proven effect on reduced testosterone levels, shrinking of the male testes, changes in the shape, size, and movement of the cause of the sperm early or decreased ejaculation along with other adverse effects which may contribute to infertility in men. Combining alcohol with other substances or drugs is particularly detrimental to male fertility.
Similarly, research has also proven that men who smoke regularly have a considerably less sperm count from people who don’t smoke. Some essential elements in the men’s semen such as seminal Zinc are found out to be considerably low in smoker’s semen compared to non-smokers which cause decreased sperm motility, the ability of the sperms to swim and move well in the semen. Certain chemicals in the cigarette also contribute to the changing shape and health of sperms, which decreases the overall healthy sperm count of the male smoker’s causing a substantial decrease in the fertility of these men. Even the success rate of assisted pregnancies such as IVR and others is found to be very low in cases where males partners are smokers compared to be non-smokers.
- Underlying Medical Conditions
Several underlying existing or past illnesses in men can contribute towards decreased sperm count which will ultimately lead to male infertility. For instance, sometimes certain male individuals exhibit very low hormones naturally.
These may be due to congenital factors, even though they are responsible for the production and development of sperms in a human body. Lack of such hormones thus contributes to lowering sperm count and therefore infertility in such men.
In other cases, some natural obstruction in the pathway of the sperms due to structural problems in the male reproductive organs. Some genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis in the genital organs within males blocks the path of the sperm from the testicle out of their way from the male reproductive organ. Thus, causing the male infertility.
Besides, according to a Mayo Clinic publication, abnormal sperm production could occur due to chronic conditions and STIs. Hence diabetes, heart condition, and stroke could prevent proper sperm development.
A history of testicular, prostate, and sexual problems could also manifest as infertility.
Similarly, chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps, and HIV negatively impact sperm health, as per the article titled “Infertility.”
Certain autoimmune diseases males, the immune system recognizes the sperms as foreign particles or germs just and treats them as bacteria, pathogens, or a virus. Therefore, killing them a condition called “immunological infertility” which does not help the sperm to grow and develop out of the human body.
Other medical conditions may include sperm health, shape disorders, chromosomal changes within the sperms DNA due to genetic issues that can also increase infertility in men. Many other underlying medical conditions genetic non-genetic can only be found out by proper assessment from a medical practitioner.
- Overweight
Lower sperm counts have been found with males which a higher, Body Mass Index (BMI). In other words, obese men are likely to have decreased healthy sperms as well as overall sperm count reducing their fertility. Besides, excess weight also paves the way for hormonal and chemical changes in the body which can negatively affect sperm production inside the human body.
Such chemical changes if occur, for instance, change the testosterone male hormone into estrogen female, which can negatively affect the ability of the man to produce sperms. Obese men’s body temperature also is noticeably higher than non-obese people due to such chemical changes, for instance, due to a chemical known as the scrotum. Such high temperatures damage the sperms inside these men and make them infertile.
Thus, it is important for fertility that males must keep their weight in check and within the prescribed bounds of healthy individuals for a healthy sperm count as well as chemical and hormonal balance to achieve their fertility.
- Medication
Some medications taken for certain medical conditions, which could be short term or long term ailment in some individuals, can negatively affect male fertility.
According to the Healthnews website’s “Medications That Can Lower Sperm Count,” medicine is just one of the many factors contributing to male infertility.
While some drugs-induced infertility are short-term and cure if you discontinue the medication, others may have a lasting impact. They include all spectra of medicines from those treating depression, and bacterial infections, to epilepsy.
For instance, certain cancer medications (chemotherapy), antifungal medications, ulcer medications, antidepressants, and many others can contribute the decreased healthy sperm in such males as well as decrease male fertility.
Long term use of such medicines during or in the aftermath of an underlying medical condition can cause infertility in such men.
However, most of over the counter (OTC) medicines are considered safe against male infertility issues. But certain steroidal drugs puts the sperm production inside males to a complete standstill.
Similarly, some blood pressure medications also cause severe erectile dysfunction in men which can create problems for these men’s fertility. Some antibiotics also have a minor reaction on the sperm count, whereas biologics used to treat autoimmune disorders can lead to DNA changes and thus changes to sperms.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance to consult your urologist before taking any such medications.
- Genital & Other Injuries
Many males experience genital dysfunction in the aftermath of an injury. Such an injury can take place as a result of an accident, work-related injury, or a practiced sport. Sometimes, such an incident can result in irreparable damage particularly to the testicular region of such males making rendering them non-functional. Such trauma can also happen on the penis muscle causing erectile dysfunction.
Accidents or injuries which may obstruct the clear pathways for the male reproductive organ to transport the sperm from the testicles to the point of ejaculation are also a leading cause of infertility in men. Many other injuries are also related to infertility in men, for instance, spinal trauma in some cases has also caused infertility in certain men due to paralysis in the lower part of the body.
Therefore it is important that such injuries whether on the genital area or other lower part of the body must not be taken lightly, and should be followed with a proper check-up with the medical practitioner especially if the person is facing any fertility issues.
Bonus Tips Submitted By Viewers
- Infections
The ApolloFertility online blog lists infections likely to result in male infertility in an article titled “5 Common Infections in Men Leading to Male Infertility.”
They include Orchitis or Epididymitis, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma. Other are Tuberculosis and Mumps.
Infections inflicting your epididymis may block the tube that transports sperm out of your body. They may also result in abnormal development of this duct.
While some infections could be due to sexually transmitted infections, others may be congenital, such as cystic fibrosis. Still, their impacts result in infertility.
These infections may block the testicles or the epididymis. They may also affect the vas deferens or even the urethra.
These are the major pathways through which semen is expelled. So, once they are clogged, you are unable to ejaculate, resulting in infertility.
Besides, certain STIs such as gonorrhea could block the testicles by forming tiny coiled tubes where the sperm duct is. As the infection eat the area, it prevents sperm from developing fully.
Chlamydia, on the other hand, directly damage the budding sperm cells, increasing the proportion of non-viable spermatozoa.
Diabetes causes retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is where your semen is expelled and remains in the bladder instead of emerging from the penis during orgasm.
- Post-surgical complications
Many medical conditions around the groins and prostate could reduce the quality of life. In most cases, doctors suggest surgeries to treat these conditions.
However, surgeries aren’t always 100% successful. In some situations, they go awry.
This means that the expensive treatment to cure cancerous cells or non-cancerous tumors can bring other complications that result in male infertility.
In some cases, these surgical processes could block the tubes that allow sperm to leave the body. Thus, the narrowed pathway could allow only a trickle to leave, holding a significant portion of semen inside.
Since the volume of ejaculation is so low, you remain infertile, even though your sperm is healthy and concentration is high.
Some medical interventions such as radiation and chemotherapy may fry your testicles, preventing sperm production. These treatments impair the proper functioning of your pituitary glands.
Still, vasectomy, and scrotal or testicular surgeries could clog the entire reproductive system, causing infertility.
In conclusion, we have discussed content related to five major causes that could be causing male infertility. We hope you can now comprehend and acknowledge the real reason behind your infertility issues if you are experiencing them.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Is The Most Common Fertility Problem For Men?
The most common fertility problem for men is low sperm count, also known as oligospermia. Low sperm count is defined as fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. It is estimated that one in every five couples in the United States is affected by fertility issues, and male infertility accounts for one-third of all infertility cases. Low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility.
There can be many causes of low sperm count, including genetic conditions, medical conditions, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and medications. Genetics can play a role in low sperm count, as certain genetic conditions are known to affect fertility. Medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can lead to a decrease in sperm production. Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, can also affect sperm production. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive drinking, and drug use can also lead to a decrease in sperm production. Finally, certain medications, such as certain antibiotics and antipsychotics, can lead to a decrease in sperm production.
In addition to the causes of low sperm count, there are also treatments available. The first step in treating low sperm count is to identify the cause. If it is due to a medical condition, then treating the underlying condition can help increase sperm production. If lifestyle choices are to blame, then making healthy lifestyle changes can help. If the cause is environmental, then avoiding the exposure to the environmental factor can help. If medications are the cause, then switching to a different medication may be necessary.
In some cases, medications such as Clomiphene or Gonadotropins may be used to stimulate sperm production. In addition, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are two fertility treatments that are used to help couples conceive when male infertility is an issue.
In conclusion, low sperm count is the most common fertility problem for men. There are many potential causes of low sperm count, and treatments are available depending on the underlying cause. It is important for men to seek medical advice if they are experiencing any issues with their fertility.
