What are the Main Causes of Male Infertility

A family isn’t complete without a child. They serve as the centre of the family, most especially for the husband and wife. Some couples aim to have their own child in the first few years of their marriage. Thus, a happily married couple may feel lacking if they don’t have a kid or two.

About 15% of couples are infertile, causing them not to bear a child. In this number, one-third of which is due to male infertility. While male infertility is not as common as infertility in women, it’s still important to check both partners to determine who will need the treatment.

In the past, when a couple can’t bear a child, the woman is the one who is commonly examined to determine if there are health problems that may hinder fertilisation. Medical conditions such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, and too much prolactin can cause infertility in women. However, as medical research shows, even men are at risk of infertility.

There are numerous reasons why a man can be infertile, causing him to have a low chance of impregnating the woman. Male infertility is the result of abnormal sperm function due to inborn conditions or injuries that affect the reproductive system.

Low sperm production

Low sperm count is a common health condition where the fluid or semen you ejaculate during an orgasm contains less sperm than it normally would.

This is also called oligospermia. On the other hand, the complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. A man’s sperm count is considered lower than normal if it is fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of fluid or semen.

Blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm

This condition is known as the obstructive azoospermia or the absence of sperm due to blockage. It is a result of various conditions such as failure of the hormones to stimulate the testicles to produce sperm cells, a testicular failure which produces cells that are either missing or damaged and obstruction of the sperm delivery.

In addition, other factors such as injuries, illnesses, exposure to radiation, and chronic health problems can also cause male infertility.

Exposure to radiation

Radiation is known for its harmful effects on the human body. Too much exposure to radiation can cause infertility in two distinct ways. It can cause primary testicular damage which occurs from radiation aimed directly at or near the testicles. Sperm forming or spermatogonia cells are susceptible to the effects of radiation therapy may it be directly aimed or not.

The indirect or secondary testicular failure may occur following a radiation therapy to treat brain injuries. The rays from the radiation machine may damage the pituitary gland, which is primarily responsible for secreting hormones needed for normal sexual function.

Medication for chronic health problems and bodybuilding supplements

Medications for arthritis, diabetes, heart disease can affect the health of the sperm as a side effect. Thus, taking these medications should be properly monitored by a professional physician. On the other hand, anabolic steroids used in bodybuilding can hurt the sperm, causing a man to be infertile.

Male infertility might not be that widespread of a condition; however, acquiring such will require corresponding treatment, depending on the root cause. Seek the help of a fertility expert to find out your diagnosis and the treatment options that will work for you.

What are the Main Causes of Male Infertility