Causes of Male Infertility?

Children are a bundle of joy for each couple. But, there are times when women do not conceive at all no matter how the couple tries. If that is the case, either or both partner may be infertile. In male, there are approximately 35 to 40 percent of all infertility problems.

So, what exactly causes infertility in men? Here are some of the causes of infertility in men. Read through if you have trouble conceiving with your partner. But most importantly, seek medical help if you have problems with your partner regarding conception. It may take some humility to ask for help.

Infertility in Men

One cause of infertility in men is sperm problems. So, what kind of sperm problems exactly? These may include low or zero sperm counts, poor sperm motility which is the ability of the sperm to move and lastly are abnormally shaped sperms which all may lead to infertility. There are no symptoms for this and this may be solved through fertility drugs which may boost sperm production. Another treatment for this may be artificial insemination with sperm donor and injecting the sperm directly to the egg of the woman.

Another reason for infertility in male is tube blockages. These tube blockages may include obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis. These tubes are extremely necessary for transporting a fertile sperm. Most common causes of blockages of male tubes are varicoceles which are varicose veins in the testicles. Other reasons for these blockages may be sexually transmitted disease such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea. For this problem, there are no symptoms. This may be treated by surgery in order to repair the varococles and any other obstruction to the vas deferens and epididymis to facilitate transportation of the fertile sperm.

Infertility in men may also be caused by sperm allergy. Sperm allergy is usually common after vasectomy wherein both partners produce antibodies which kill sperm cells. Again, for this, there is no symptom. And this problem may be treated by sperm washing and intrauterine insemination as well as assisted conception treatments. In some cases, immunosuppressive drugs are used such as cortisone and prednisone, however, these are not recommended by many doctors.

Other reasons for infertility in men may include the following: (1) fevers and infections like mumps which take place after puberty, (2) surgery of the reproductive tract like those for hernia repair, cancer, undescended testes and prostate, (3) medication or usage of certain drugs like those for treating depression or high blood pressure, (4) contact or exposure of the testes to high temperatures which may have resulted from certain conditions in the workplace, wearing of overly tight and unventilated clothing as well as excessive use of hot tubs, (5) the use of tobacco, marijuana or alcohol, (6) medical circumstances like diabetes and finally, (7) genetic or hormonal problems. In addition, injuries to the testes can also cause a man to be infertile. These injuries may include those that may have resulted from physical trauma as well as exposure to radiation.