What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse due to factors related to the male partner. It accounts for approximately 40–50% of infertility cases and affects about 7% of all men.

en.wikipedia.org

Causes of Male Infertility:

Sperm Production Issues:

Low Sperm Count (Oligozoospermia): Having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Poor Sperm Motility: Reduced ability of sperm to swim effectively.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology: Irregular sperm shape affecting function.
Azoospermia: Complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Conditions affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or testicles can disrupt hormone production necessary for sperm development.

Genetic Disorders:

Klinefelter Syndrome: A condition where males have an extra X chromosome, leading to impaired testicular function.
Y Chromosome Microdeletions: Missing genetic material on the Y chromosome affecting sperm production.

Structural Problems:

Blockages in the Reproductive Tract: Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis preventing sperm delivery.
Varicocele: Enlargement of veins within the scrotum that can impair sperm quality.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:

Smoking, Alcohol, and Drug Use: Negatively impact sperm production and quality.
Exposure to Toxins: Chemicals, radiation, or heat can adversely affect sperm.
Obesity: Associated with lower testosterone levels and reduced fertility.

Medical Conditions:

Infections: Such as sexually transmitted infections or mumps orchitis.
Retrograde Ejaculation: Semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during ejaculation.

Diagnosis:

Evaluation of male infertility typically involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additional tests may include hormonal evaluations, genetic testing, and imaging studies to identify underlying causes.

mayoclinic.org

Treatment Options:

Lifestyle Modifications: Improving diet, exercise, and eliminating harmful habits.
Medications: Hormonal treatments or antibiotics for infections.
Surgical Interventions: Repairing varicoceles or removing blockages.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to facilitate conception.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of male infertility is crucial for developing effective treatments and support systems for affected individuals.

References:

medlineplus.gov

Male Infertility - MedlinePlus

August 7, 2024 — Infertility is a term doctors use if a man hasn't been able to get a woman pregnant after at least one year of trying.

who.int

Infertility - World Health Organization (WHO)

May 22, 2024 — Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected ...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Male Infertility - PubMed

February 25, 2024 — Male infertility is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability of a male to make a fertile female pregnant for a minimum of at least 1 ...

betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Infertility in men - Better Health Channel