Male infertility is a problem that is often overlooked. It is estimated that over half of all infertility cases are caused by many factors. Infertility in men involves the production of quality sperm.
Poor quality sperms have low motility, which makes sperms unable to travel and fertilize the female egg. There are many different causes of male infertility, and in this blog post, we will discuss the most common ones.
If you are experiencing problems getting your partner pregnant, it is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the cause. In many cases, male infertility can be treated, and couples can have healthy children.
Main Causes of Male Infertility
1. Obesity
Being overweight or obese can cause problems with hormone production, which can lead to infertility. Obesity can also cause an increase in the temperature of the testicles. High temperature can reduce sperm production.
If you are trying to conceive, it is best to maintain a healthy weight. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Being Underweight can also lead to infertility. Underweight men often have low testosterone levels and poor sperm quality.
2. Usage of testosterone treatment
The low testosterone problem is increasing day by day. There are many reasons behind it, and one of the major reasons is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is a treatment in which testosterone is taken from outside.
The treatment is very effective, but it has some severe side effects. TRT shuts down the body’s testosterone production, and it can cause infertility. Also, it can cause an enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, liver problems, and heart disease. So, it is very important to take testosterone injections only if you need them.
Sometimes, simply stopping TRT and continuing to try to conceive can be successful. You can follow the great instruction on how to wean off testosterone injections, suggested by health experts. Injections should be tapered off slowly to help minimize any potential side effects. Also, you should not take anabolic steroids as they can also cause infertility.
3. Testicular Disorders
This occurs when the testicles don’t produce sperm, or they don’t make enough sperm. Many things can cause this, including infection, trauma, injury, tumors, or genetic disorders.
Some men are born with a condition called Klinefelter syndrome. This is when a man has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of the usual one X and one Y. This can affect the testicles’ ability to produce sperm.
Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or surgery, can damage the testicles and make them unable to produce sperm.
Doctors may recommend surgery, medication, or a combination of both to treat the condition. If the cause is unknown, they may do a testicular biopsy to find out what is going on. Sometimes, fertility treatments can help men with this problem conceive.
4. Varicocele
This is a condition in which the veins inside the scrotum become enlarged and cause heat damage to the sperm. 15% of infertility among men results from varicocele.
Symptoms of varicocele include:
- A feeling of heaviness or pain in the testicle
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Enlargement or tenderness of the veins in the scrotum
- Fertility problems, such as reduced sperm count or motility
Treatment for varicocele includes:
- Observation if the varicocele is small and not causing any symptoms
- Surgery to tie off or clip the veins if the varicocele is large or causing problems
- Hormone therapy if there is evidence of damaged sperm due to the varicocele
Varicocele is a treatable condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve fertility. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor.
5. Overheating of Testicles
Optimum sperm production occurs at a temperature of 34-35 degrees Celsius. Anything above this can result in decreased sperm count and motility. This is why tight clothing, saunas, hot tubs, and even laptop use on the lap can harm sperm production.
Note that overheating the testicles is not the only way laptops can harm sperm. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from laptops can also damage sperm. Avoid keeping your laptop on your lap for long periods if you are trying to conceive.
6. Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs
Smoking cigarettes causes damage to the DNA of sperm cells. This increases the risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities. Alcohol consumption can also lead to impotence, low sex drive, and poor sperm quality. These factors can all contribute to infertility in men.
Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can also affect sperm quality. These drugs can reduce sperm count and motility and increase the risk of congenital disabilities. If you are trying to conceive, it is best to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs. Studies have shown that even moderate alcohol consumption can reduce sperm count and motility.
To sum up
Male infertility is a problem that is becoming more and more common. There are many potential causes, some of which are lifestyle choices, while others are medical conditions. Some are easy to treat, while others require more specialized care. If you have difficulty conceiving, talk to your doctor about the possible causes and what advanced fertility treatments can help you become a father.
