Common Causes and Symptoms of Male Infertility

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that causes an individual to be unable to have children. This disease is known to affect men and women; however, this article will focus on male infertility. While infertility is usually perceived as a woman’s problem, it is crucial to know that this problem is not unique. In men, infertility causes problems in their reproductive system, making it difficult for them to get their partner pregnant, usually within a year or more of having unprotected sex with their partners.

This condition can be linked with numerous factors ^[1] such as low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, chronic illnesses, injuries, and lifestyle choices. The inability to have children comes with many challenges to your relationship both within and outside. You may be thinking, how do I know I am infertile?

Symptoms of Male Infertility

One common symptom that shows there may be a problem is when you have regular unprotected sex with your partner without using any form of birth control, and your partner cannot conceive after at least a year of trying.

Another symptom that may point towards infertility is hormonal issues which mean changes in sexual function.

Other symptoms to observe are

• Pain or swell in the testicles
• Recurrent respiratory infections.
• Abnormal growth of breasts.
• Low sperm count of less than 15 million sperm per milliliter

When is the right time to see a doctor?

In most cases, not everyone tries to have an appointment with a doctor about infertility. However, if you have been trying to conceive for at least a year, then it is essential to visit a health care facility for examination. During the appointment, it is crucial for you to inquire from and also inform your health care provider whether or not there is a problem with sperm; history of sexual problems such as the testis or prostate, record of cancer treatment, swelling in the scrotum, and a history of infertility within the family.

6 Causes of Infertility in Men

Generally, the cause of infertility cannot be linked to one but several factors. The reason is that some can set in at birth or occur as you grow up. Still, there are cases where the reason for infertility remains unknown. The following can be reasons for infertility among men.

 

Abnormal Sperm Production

 Abnormal sperm production or sperm function may occur due to the testis not being able to descend, genetic defects, sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, among others. In addition, if the veins in the testes are enlarged, it can affect the quality of your sperm.

Sperm Delivery

Challenges with the delivery of sperm can result in infertility due to issues associated with sexual functions such as premature ejaculation, issues related to the blocked testicle, or blunt trauma to the reproductive organs.

External Factors

Environmental factors such as exposure to radiation, pesticides, use of drugs, and alcohol can also affect fertility. Other factors such as too much exposure to heat which are currently understudies, may slightly affect sperm production.

Cancer Treatment

Effects resulting from treatment and management of cancer can increase your chances of being infertile. This happens because treatment methods such as radiation and chemotherapy tend to impair the production of sperm.

Use of Drugs and Steroids

Using drugs and steroids to stimulate the strength and growth of muscles can affect your testicles by making them reduce sperm production and also reduce size. Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana can also reduce the number and quality of sperms produced. However, this effect is temporary; the number and quality of sperms return to normal once you stop using these substances.

Use of Tobacco and Alcohol

Using these substances can result in infertility; alcohol, for instance, lowers the level of testosterone, resulting in erectile dysfunction and low production of sperm. On the other hand, tobacco use can also result in low sperm count in men who smoke.

Who is at increased risk of infertility?

You may be at risk of being infertile if:

• You have experienced past genital infections.
• There was an injury inflicted on the testicles.
• There was an early or late initiation of puberty stage.
• There was an exposure of the genitalia to high temperatures.
• You had a repaired hernia.
• You have undescended testicles.
•  Malnourished, overweight, or obese.
• Older.

What are the complications of male infertility?

Some of the complications include:

• Expensive treatments ^[2].
• High chances of having testicular cancer.
• Issues in relationships between partners due to their inability to conceive a child.

Prevention of Male Infertility

Infertility can be prevented; however, one thing that should know is that some types of infertility cannot be prevented. Although this is more common in men than women, adopting the following strategies can help.

• Avoid tobacco use and reduce consumption of alcohol.
• Avoid high temperatures in hot baths and tubs as it can result in temporal negative effects on the production of sperms and motility of sperms.
• Avoid exposure to environmental toxins.
• Limit the use of drugs that can affect your fertility, which can be either prescribed by a doctor or not. Keep this in mind; it is essential to always talk to your doctor about the drugs you take more often, but do not stop taking them without medical consent.

In conclusion, these are some of the things you need to always keep in mind while visiting your doctor:

• The reason for the appointment and your expectations, there might be a few questions that you would answer during the appointment.
• You can go with your partner for support know the reason for the use and purpose of the drugs prescribed to you.
• Most importantly, know how to contact your health provider if you have additional questions that you forgot to ask during the appointment.

Written by: Jackson Omanwa