Male Infertility: Causes and Symptoms
Male infertility means a man can’t get a woman pregnant, even if she’s fertile, after trying for a year without using birth control. It’s a common problem, affecting about 40-50% of all cases where couples can’t have a baby.
Symptoms of Male Infertility
Ejaculation issues, Pain, Swelling, or Lumps in the Testicles are the symptoms of male infertility.
Here are some common infertility symptoms you might notice:
- Problems with Sexual Function (e.g., delayed or retrograde ejaculation).
- Pain, Swelling, or Lumps in the Testicles: Could indicate conditions like varicocele, infection, or testicular cancer.
- Changes in Hair Growth or Distribution: May suggest hormonal imbalances.
- Gynecomastia (Male Breast Development): Caused by hormonal imbalances.
- Recurrent Respiratory Infections: Could be associated with genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis.
- Decreased Facial or Body Hair: Can indicate low testosterone levels.
- Small, Firm Testicles: Associated with genetic or endocrine disorders.
Related: Treatment for Male Infertility
Causes of Male Infertility
The main cause of infertility is due to sperm production issues, sperm delivery problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors.
Let us understand the cause of male infertility in detail:
1. Sperm Production Issues
Problems with the production and quality of sperm are the most common causes of male infertility.
Here are the types of sperm issues you might face:
- Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia): Having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
- No Sperm (Azoospermia): Complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate.
- Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia): Sperm that do not swim well, reducing their ability to reach and fertilize the egg.
- Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia): Sperm with irregular shapes, affecting their ability to penetrate the egg.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone levels) or pituitary gland disorders can affect sperm production.
- Genetic Disorders: Chromosomal abnormalities like Klinefelter Syndrome (extra X chromosome) or Y chromosome microdeletions can impair sperm production.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins within the scrotum can increase temperature and affect sperm production and quality.
2. Sperm Delivery Problems
These issues prevent sperm from being effectively delivered during ejaculation.
- Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: Blockage in the tubes that transport sperm from the testes to the urethra.
- Retrograde Ejaculation: When semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, often caused by surgery, diabetes, or medications.
- Vasectomy: Surgical cutting and sealing of the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) or conditions like epididymitis or orchitis can cause scarring or blockage.
- Congenital Defects: Issues like congenital absence of the vas deferens (often associated with cystic fibrosis) or structural abnormalities in the male reproductive tract.
3. Health and Medical Conditions
- Testicular Conditions: Trauma, torsion, or undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) can affect sperm production.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the body produces antibodies that mistakenly attack sperm cells.
- Chronic Illnesses: Diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and certain infections can impair fertility.
- Sexual Problems: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or problems with ejaculation can prevent sperm delivery.
Also Read: Female Infertility
Also Read :Treatment for Female Infertility
Note From Sishu Family
Understanding the symptoms and causes of male infertility is crucial for effective treatment and achieving your family-building goals. At Shshu Fertility Clinic, our dedicated team of specialists is here to provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Whether you’re experiencing issues with sperm production, delivery, or lifestyle factors, we offer a range of advanced solutions to help you overcome these challenges. Reach out to Shshu Fertility Clinic today to begin your journey towards better reproductive health and fertility.
Sishu Fertility Clinic is best fertility clinic in Nepal aim to provide infertility treatment solution for couples with help of excellent team of Doctors, Gynecologist and Fertility experts.