Male Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment Options

Infertility in couples & male infertility
Did you know that roughly 15% of couples fail when trying to conceive for the first time?Experts say that if these couples are unable to succeed in a pregnancy within a year (normal sexual activity without the use of contraceptives), then the possibility of one among the couple or both being infertile becomes more plausible.

It’s said that about 25% of couples experience infertility at some point in their lives, the incidence of which increases with age. Males partly contribute to 40% of infertility cases in couples.


It’s all in the sperm (or lack of it)
It’s important to note, though, that male infertility should in no way be considered an indication of weak male sexual prowess. Male infertility is basically low or absent sperm count in semen which are essential to fertilizing an egg.

 
The possible causes associated with male infertility
The low or absent sperm count can possibly be attributed to an infection contracted during a post-puberty high fever.

Take mumps, for instance, which has long been associated with infertility in males. Mumps can only influence male infertility when it causes orchitis, or inflammation or swelling of the testes. Still, not even these cases of orchitis caused by mumps can entirely be blamed for male infertility.

Testicular injury, as well, may cause infertility in males, when sports or other activities cause swelling or bleeding of the testicles or surrounding them. Blood flow to the testicles is impaired, causing permanent damage to the production of sperm.

 

Click here to learn more about other possible causes and triggers of fertility problems in males.

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Read on to learn more about other possible causes and triggers of fertility problems in males.

 

Varicocele, on the other hand, happens when the testicular veins located in the spermatic cord from the testicles to the abdomen becomes dilated. It occurs in about 15-20% of fertile males and 30-40% of men experiencing fertility problems.  

Here are several triggers of fertility problems in males, according to netdoctor.co.uk:
•    Obstructive problems
•    Testicular injury and disease
•    Varicocele
•    Hormonal problems
•    Sperm disorders
•    Genetic disorders
•    Erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems
•    Medical disorders which decrease fertility
•    Drugs which decrease fertility
•    Environmental toxins and radiation


Steps to take to determine possible fertility problems
If having problems conceiving, consider factors such as the woman’s age as well. Ideally, the couple should seek medical expertise together before ruling out possible causes.

First step would be for the male to seek the evaluation of a fertility specialist. Basic questions about the medical history of the man will be asked, including details about his health, sexual habits, previous treatments and the period or time he and his partner has been trying to conceive.

A physical exam and prostrate exam will be conducted afterwards, giving special inspection to the penis and scrotum.

A semen analysis is also helpful, as it helps to determine the sperm count and concentration, their ability to swim, their shape, flow and other behavior. The sperm sample is also tested for white blood cells or antibodies that may indicate the presence of an infection. Another test to be done is to test the sperms’ ability to penetrate an egg.

 

Click here to learn more ways on how to help prevent and treat male fertility problems.

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Read on to learn more ways on how to help prevent and treat male fertility problems.

 

Ways to help fortify male fertility:
•    Eat a balanced diet.
•    Exercise regularly.
•    Avoid smoking.
•    Drink moderately.
•    Reduce stress as much as possible.


Treatment
Let the physician or fertility specialist determine the best type of treatment. In some cases, medication is given to help increase hormone levels to boost sperm production.

Surgery is also a possibility. This could involve repairing a varicocele or removing obstructions in the urinary tract. Live sperm may also be extracted from inside the penis for those males without sufficient sperm in their ejaculate.

As with most cases, success cannot be guaranteed with these treatments, but the couple may wish to consider assisted conception techniques, such as IVF, or in vitro fertilization, among others.


Photo from sxc.hu

SOURCES:
•    “Male Infertility,” healthscout.com
•    “Fertility News,” fertilityjourney.com
•    Dr. John Dean, “Male Fertility Problems,” netdoctor.co.uk