A man is considered infertile if he participates in unprotected sex with a fertile woman for a period of one year or more and fails to produce a child. There are many causes of male infertility, and in some cases there may be no underlying cause at all. Thanks to healthcare advances, certain treatments can address fertility problems in men.
Underlying medical conditions often play a role in male infertility. These include:
Some men experience inflammation of the veins within the testicles, which is called a varicocele. This inflammation affects the quality and number of sperm, thereby decreasing the chance of conception.
With retrograde ejaculation, sperm is deposited into the bladder before making its way from the tip of the penis. This condition can result from medical disorders, such as diabetes, medication, and injuries.
Men with low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances may have a more difficult time conceiving. Imbalances may result from dysfunction of the pituitary or thyroid glands.
Cancerous tumours can impact a number of reproductive organs. For instance, prostate cancer can prevent men from impregnating their partners. Some cancers also stop the body from producing certain hormones.
In some men, immune dysfunction causes infertility by attacking healthy sperm. In others, undescended testicles may be to blame. Erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted diseases, certain medications, and surgery are other possible causes of infertility in men.
Substances in the environment, such as chemicals and heavy metals, can have a negative impact on the number of sperm a man has. Lifestyle factors can also affect fertility in men, including:
Based on these factors, avoiding environmental toxins and leading a healthy lifestyle can have a major impact on a man’s fertility.
Treatment of male infertility depends on the underlying medical condition or issue. Accordingly, doctors may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Doctors can also surgically extract sperm to perform in vitro fertilization. This treatment is beneficial when normal ejaculation is inhibited.