The sooner the cause of infertility is diagnosed, the faster treatment can be obtained. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, at least 80% of couples who seek treatment for male infertility achieve a pregnancy. It is only in figuring the cause of infertility that a couple can begin to move forward.
Causes of Male Infertility
There are several known causes of male infertility. Among these are:
Absence of sperm: An absence of sperm is caused either by an abnormality in the tubes that carry the sperm, or the cells that produce sperm. This can be the result of certain medications, or by radiation treatments, injury, or genetics.
Age: Gradually, a male’s increasing age can cause both his sperm count and sperm motility to decline.
Low semen levels: Some men have low semen levels when they ejaculate, and the sperm does not have enough elasticity to reach the egg.
Auto-antibodies: In this case, the immune system attacks cells in the body, such as sperm, and causes the sperm to stick together and become incapable of penetrating an egg.
Retrograde ejaculation: Sperm, when ejaculated, goes upward into the bladder instead of outward. This affects sperm quality and is often caused by surgery, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or certain medications.
Birth defect: Men born with testicles that did not descend, with no testes at all, with a blockage in the tube that transports sperm, or some other defect of the testes or urinary opening can all have difficulty conceiving.
Cancer: Some cancers, especially testicular cancer, impair sperm production. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation damage sperm quality and quantity.
Medications: Anabolic steroids, Tagamet, Mellaril, and other medications have been known to impair fertility.
Varicocele: The veins that carry blood away from the testicles become enlarged or twisted.
Testicular torsion: The blood supply to the testicle is cut off because of a twisting or deformity of the tubes that run to the testicles.
Genetics: Many sperm have chromosomal defects. However, infertile men tend to have a higher percentage of damaged sperm, which can make a successful pregnancy difficult. Often, if a woman does conceive, the defective genetic material passes onto the offspring, and the fetus will be deformed or the pregnancy involuntarily terminated. While every man has a certain percentage of defective sperm, those with a parent who had biological infertility issues have a higher rate of infertility themselves. Also, cystic fibrosis patients and people suffering from other chromosomal disorders can have basic sperm impairments.
Environment: Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or infections can reduce sperm count. High levels of oxidants can also damage the genetic material in sperm cells. Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals like Bisphenol A, phthalates, and organochlorines increases risk of poor sperm development. There is also a possibility of sperm damage from exposure to hydrocarbons and heavy metals such as lead or cadmium.
Physical stress: This can reduce sperm count and impair sperm motility. Physical stress includes: Testicular overheating caused by fever, hot tubs, tight fitting underwear, or persistent exposure to high temperatures; the use of illegal drugs, cigarettes, or excessive alcohol; men who are malnourished or obese, and men who excessively exercise. Also, men who have infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases, mumps, or infections of the prostate gland, testicle, or urethra can suffer infertility.
Mental stress: Emotional stress or turmoil can also reduce sperm county and motility.
Other Causes: Low levels of testosterone, liver disease, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease can all cause male infertility. Patients with Down syndrome can also have difficulty conceiving.
Preventing Male Infertility
While not all cases of male infertility can be prevented, there are some things that can be done to avoid the condition. Men planning to conceive should:
- Have regular physical examinations
- Talk to their doctor about any medications they are taking that can impair fertility
- Discontinue use of drugs and reduce alcohol intake
- Keep any diseases or disorders under control
- Practice safe sex and obtain treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Wear loose fitting underwear or pants
- Avoid frequent hot baths or hot tubs
- Avoid excessive exercise
- Avoid exposure to environmental hazards such as pesticides
- Wear scrotal protection during sports activities
After The Diagnosis
Once the cause of male infertility is diagnosed, he may undergo one of several treatments. Among these include:
- Artificial insemination, in which the sperm is placed directly into the cervix or uterus
- In-vitro fertilization, in which the sperm and egg are united outside the womb and then replaced into the uterus
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in which invididual sperm are directly inserted into a woman’s egg
With time, patience, and determination, a man can understand the cause of his infertility and seek treatment to achieve a pregnancy.
 |
