Articles

Unraveling the Mystery: Symptoms and Causes of Male Infertility

by Shivani Sachdev Director at SCI IVF Hospital

Infertility can be a challenging issue for couples who dream of starting a family. While it is often thought of as a solely female concern, male infertility is a prevalent condition that affects a significant number of couples. SCI IVF Hospital aims to shed light on this topic by discussing the symptoms and causes of male infertility, empowering individuals with knowledge and encouraging them to seek appropriate treatment.

 

Understanding Male Infertility

Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to impregnate a fertile female partner after a year of unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that male factors contribute to nearly 40-50% of infertility cases. The condition can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, genetic disorders, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

 

Common Symptoms of Male Infertility

  •  Low sperm count: A low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is a primary indicator of male infertility. It refers to the presence of fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A comprehensive semen analysis conducted by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary to diagnose this condition accurately.
  • Abnormal sperm morphology: Sperm with atypical shape or structure may struggle to reach and fertilize an egg. A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm, known as teratozoospermia, can contribute to male infertility.
  • Poor sperm motility: Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move effectively. Reduced sperm motility, or asthenospermia, can hinder the sperm's ability to swim towards the egg, reducing the chances of successful fertilization.
  • Ejaculation disorders: Conditions such as retrograde ejaculation, premature ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction can interfere with the delivery of sperm during intercourse, leading to infertility.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels, can affect sperm production and quality, thereby impacting fertility.

 

Common Causes of Male Infertility

  • Varicocele: Varicocele is a condition characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. It can disrupt normal testicular temperature regulation, impair sperm production, and reduce sperm quality.
  • Infections: Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs, resulting in infertility.
  • Genetic disorders: Genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal defects, Y chromosome microdeletions, and mutations in specific genes, can negatively affect sperm production, morphology, and motility.
  • Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., pesticides, industrial chemicals) can all contribute to male infertility.
  • Testicular abnormalities: Structural abnormalities, undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), testicular trauma, or prior surgeries in the reproductive system can interfere with sperm production and delivery.


Conclusion

Male infertility is a common and often treatable condition that affects many couples worldwide. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action. SCI IVF Hospital encourages individuals experiencing fertility challenges to seek professional medical assistance to diagnose and address the specific cause of male infertility. With advancements in reproductive medicine, assisted reproductive technologies, and lifestyle modifications, many couples can overcome male infertility and fulfil their dreams of parenthood.


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About Shivani Sachdev Advanced   Director at SCI IVF Hospital

25 connections, 1 recommendations, 175 honor points.
Joined APSense since, August 17th, 2021, From New Delhi, India.

Created on Jun 5th 2023 21:38. Viewed 145 times.

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