Male infertility is the inability of a male to cause a pregnancy in a fertile female. It usually is due to low or no sperm production, improper sperm function, or blockage that prevents the delivery of sperm.
Causes of Male Infertility:
Male infertility is caused due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fertility. Other causes of male infertility include:
- Genetic factors – Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can cause male infertility.
- Hormonal imbalances – Imbalances in hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone can lead to infertility.
- Varicocele – A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum and can affect the quality of sperm.
- Infections – Infections, such as those that cause sexually transmitted diseases, can affect the quality of sperm.
- Ejaculation issues – Delayed, absent, or painful ejaculation can cause male infertility.
- Medications – Medications like chemotherapy drugs can cause male infertility.
- Age – As men age, fertility begins to decline.
- Environmental factors – Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides, can lead to male infertility.
Symptoms of Male Infertility
- Difficulty conceiving a child
- Pain or swelling, or a lump in the testicle area
- Decreased sexual desire
- Problems with erections or ejaculation
- Low semen volume
- Abnormal semen quality
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic or chromosomal defects
- Infections in the reproductive system
- Ejaculation disorders or obstructions
Diagnosis of Male Infertility
The diagnosis of male infertility typically involves a physical exam and medical history, followed by semen analysis and other tests.
- Physical Exam: During the physical exam, the doctor will check the size and shape of the testicles and penis, look for signs of infection, and feel any lumps or swelling.
- Medical History: The doctor will ask about medical and reproductive history, including prior surgeries, STDs, medications, and drug use.
- Semen Analysis: A semen analysis is the most important test for diagnosing male infertility. The semen sample will be analyzed to determine the count, motility, and shape of the sperm.
- Other Tests: Depending on the results of the semen analysis, the doctor may order additional tests, such as hormone tests, genetic tests, a testicular biopsy, or an ultrasound.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility:
- Medication: Medications such as clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can be used to help increase sperm production and improve fertility.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to repair a blockage or other physical problem causing infertility.
- Hormone therapies: Hormone treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy can help to improve sperm production and quality.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): ART, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), can be used to help men with infertility.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising more can help improve fertility.
