Male Infertility - Symptoms and Causes

The problem of infertility has been a concern for ages and continues to be an important clinical problem even today. It affects 8-12% of couples worldwide. Of all the infertility cases, about 40-50% of the cases are due to male infertility.

Like women, men can also have infertility problems. A decrease in sperm count, a lump around the testicle, etc. are considered to be its symptoms. On the other hand, genetic disorders, sexually transmitted diseases and varicose, etc. have been considered as the cause of male infertility. In this case, it can be detected through tests like hormones and ultrasound. Wherein, talking about treatment, hormone replacement, surgery, or infection is cured. If any man feels that he is a victim of infertility, then he should consult a doctor and get his proper treatment done.

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There are many treatment methods available to overcome infertility in men. In cases of infertility, the female partner should also be examined. Following are the ways to treat infertility in men -

There can be more than one reason for infertility in men, so both men and women should undergo fertility tests. There are many tests to detect infertility, which include the following tests -

Many types of infertility in men cannot be prevented. However, still, by staying away from some things, men can avoid the problem of infertility. such as -

• Do not smoke.
• Reduce or completely stop drinking alcohol.
• Don't use illegal drugs.
• Keep the weight balanced.
• Don't get sterilized.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat on the testicles.
• Stay away from stress.
• Stay away from pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances.

Reasons for infertility in men can be as follows -

• In more than 90 percent of men, the cause of infertility is poor quality and low sperm count. Apart from this, due to any physical illness, imbalance in hormones, and genetic disorder, there can be a problem of infertility in men.
• Firstly, male infertility is related to the development and structure of the genitals during the age of puberty. In men, at least one testicle must function properly and the body must be able to make testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production.
• It is necessary to produce a sufficient amount of sperm in the semen. If the sperm count in the semen is less then it makes it difficult for the woman to conceive. Low sperm count in semen is the cause of infertility in men.
• Sperm should be mobile and able to move from one place to another. If the sperm function or movement is abnormal, then the sperms are unable to reach the partner's egg. Infertility can also occur in men due to the non-functioning of the sperm.
• Varicoceles can also cause infertility in men. In this, due to swelling of the veins, the testicles dry up. The exact cause of infertility due to varicocele is not yet known. The quality of sperm is also affected by varicocele.
• Some infections affect sperm production or sperm quality. Due to this, a wound can be formed which closes the path of sperm. This can happen due to gonorrhea, HIV, or any sexually transmitted infection.
• Anti-sperm antibodies are thought to be cells of the immune system. These antibodies mistake the sperm as harmful to the body and then try to destroy it. Because of this, infertility can also occur in men.
• Cancer or malignant tumors can also cause direct damage to the reproductive organs of men. Tumors or cancer can affect the glands that secrete hormones related to reproduction, which can cause infertility in men. In some cases, surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to treat the tumor can also affect male fertility.
• An imbalance in hormones can also increase infertility in men. Low testosterone and an imbalance in other hormones can lead to infertility in men.
• Many tubes in the bodywork to take the sperm from one place to another. Due to many reasons such as injury from surgery, and infection, these tubes can be closed due to which the testicles dry up.
• The condition of not being able to have an erection for sexual intercourse can also cause infertility. There can be problems like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and pain during sex.
• Being sensitive to gluten can also reduce male fertility. This problem can be avoided by reducing the amount of gluten in your diet.
• Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term use of anabolic steroids, cancer drugs, anti-fungal drugs, and some ulcer drugs can also decrease fertility in men.

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The symptoms of infertility in men are as follows -

• The main symptom of infertility in men is the inability of their female partners to conceive for a long time.
• Difficulty in ejaculating or less amount of fluid during ejaculation decreased sexual desire or problems with erectile dysfunction can be symptoms of infertility in men.
• Lump in the area around the testicle, pain in the testicle, or swelling in the testicle.
• Frequent respiratory infections.
• abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Loss of hair on the face and body or chromosomal or hormonal imbalance.
• Having a sub-normal sperm count (less than 15 million sperm per ml of semen or less than 39 million per ml of semen).