Introduction
Infertility is a taboo topic among couples and families, which can cause immense distress to them. When a couple struggles to conceive, society usually attributes the problem primarily to women and very little to the male counterpart, but that’s not always true. However, it is now known that almost half of the infertility cases are associated with the male factor. From low sperm count to hormonal imbalances or lifestyle habits, several things can affect a man’s ability to contribute to a pregnancy. This blog looks into the various causes of male infertility and how identifying them early can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Male Infertility
The testes produce sperm, pass them into the seminal fluid from certain glands, and eject them out through the penis. Pregnancy occurs when the sperm meets an egg inside the woman’s body. Causes of male factor infertility are mainly twofold:
1. Trouble with sperm production and quality
2. Trouble with sperm delivery
Trouble with Sperm Production and Quality:
The couple’s childbearing dreams may be held back if the number of mature sperm produced is not enough, their shape is abnormal (large head, two tails, etc.), or the swimmers cannot take those laps and reach the egg. There can be cases where there is no sperm production at all (azoospermia). According to the WHO standards, sperm count of less than 15 million is taken to be low. Common causes for such sperm production defects are:
a. High temperatures:
Heat can lead to injury to the sperm cells, which causes a reduction in the number and quality of the produced sperm. Long hot showers, using tight underwear, taking laptops directly onto the lap, sitting for long hours, and long motorcycle rides are some common lifestyle habits that can cause increased temperature.
b. Anatomic:
- Varicocele: Swelling of the veins in the scrotum around the testes, causing a rise in the testicular temperature and pressure, leading to low sperm production as well as abnormal sperm. In some cases, it may also lead to the shrinking of the affected testicle. About 20-40% of men with infertility are affected.
- Undescended testes: Underdeveloped testes and high temperatures on account of being inside the body lead to abnormal sperm production and a low count.
c. Hormonal imbalance:
Low testosterone levels, thyroid and pituitary hormone imbalance.
d. Genetic:
- Klinefelter syndrome (XXY): Sex chromosomal condition where testes may not develop normally, leading to low testosterone levels, reduced or no sperm production.
- Y-chromosome microdeletions: Certain factors present on the Y chromosome control sperm production. Any minor deletions in these can lead to sperm production and maturation problems.
- Rarer sex chromosomal and other genetic problems
e. Cancers of the testicles or prostate can cause reduced fertility.
f. Infections:
Mumps after puberty can lead to testicular shrinkage and production of anti-sperm antibodies, causing sperm count, shape and movement problems. Other sexually transmitted infections like HIV-AIDS, gonorrhoea can also compromise fertility.
g. Lifestyle:
Obesity, mental stress, and diabetes are known to reduce sperm count.
h. Medications:
Steroids can cause testicular shrinkage and azoospermia; chemotherapy, radiation therapy, high blood pressure medicines, and antidepressant medicines can cause sperm count and quality defects.
i. Addictions:
- Alcohol: Heavy drinkers have more abnormally shaped sperm and lower count, as alcohol can cause hormonal imbalance.
- Smoking damages the DNA of the sperm, affecting count and motility. It also impacts sperm delivery as it narrows blood vessels around the penis leading to erectile dysfunction.
- Drugs
j. Environmental exposures:
Pesticides, mercury/lead/cadmium exposure, and pollutants can affect fertility.
k. Testicular injury/ trauma.
l. Use of certain vaginal lubricants is known to affect sperm movement.
Trouble with Sperm Delivery:
Abnormality in the delivery of normal, mature sperm to the female tract for fertilisation is an equal contributor to male factor infertility. This can occur due to multiple reasons, mainly:
- Obstruction in the reproductive tract or testicles.
- Structural problems like uncorrected hypospadias where the opening of the penis is under it rather than at the tip which can lead to curving of the penis, making it difficult for sperm delivery into the female tract.
- Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic condition wherein the sperm carrying tubes are either absent or blocked (congenital absence of vas deferens).
- Ejaculatory problems: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation (sperms travel to the bladder instead of exiting the penis).
These causes may not have specific symptoms, and the male partner may be fit and fine. Only after one year of actively trying to achieve pregnancy do couples realize something is amiss. However, it is important to consult a fertility specialist when there is a sudden decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction or testicular changes. Age over 40 years is also a known risk factor for male infertility.
Know more about Sperm Count, read our blog: What is Sperm Count and How it is tested.
Conclusion
It is time we make ourselves aware of the male factors involved to be able to diagnose, provide support and manage it timely manner. Under the care of the infertility specialists at Femcare Fertility, you will be systematically guided through each step, providing you with the best infertility treatment. Awareness of the cause is the first step to effective treatment.
Hence, our team of the best fertility doctors in Pune and Kolkata strive to provide you with solutions to help you make informed choices.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: What are the main causes of infertility in men?
Answer: Male infertility can result from low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, testicular injury, or lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and obesity.
Question: Can lifestyle affect male fertility?
Answer: Yes. Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and lack of exercise harm sperm health. Heat exposure and stress can also reduce overall fertility.
Question: Can male infertility be treated?
Answer: Many cases of male infertility are treatable through medication, hormone therapy, surgery (for varicoceles or blockages), or assisted reproductive techniques like IUI or IVF with ICSI.
Question: Where can I get the best treatment for male infertility in India?
Answer: Femcare Fertility offers the best male infertility treatment plans at its advanced centers in Pune and Kolkata. We’re recognised as one of the best fertility clinics for addressing both male and female infertility issues.