Infertility is a common problem for a male. Male infertility is a health issue in a man that lowers the chance of his wife getting pregnant. Many reasons cause infertility in males. In more infertility cases, the problem is with men. It is often caused by issues with sperm production or sperm delivery. Male infertility is caused due to illness, injuries, chronic health problems, and other factors. Infertility can cause stress and frustration. Several treatments are available for infertility.
If you have infertility issues, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to have a child with your partner. It is a problem in the reproductive system that stops you from impregnating a female. There are several treatments and procedures to increase the chance of fertility. Below listed are some of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for infertility in males:
Male Infertility Causes:
Some of the health problems can stop cells from growing into sperm. The issues will prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The problem starts from the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty. The testicles should function properly, and the body must produce testosterone to trigger and maintain sperm production.
If sperm is produced in the testicle, the tubes transport them until they mix with semen and ejaculate out of the penis. If sperm production is low, it decreases the chance of making pregnant. If the function of your sperm is abnormal, the sperm will not reach your partner’s egg. Infertility causes in a male are due to many biological and environmental.
- Sperm disaster
- Immunologic infertility
- Obstruction
- Hormones
- Medication is the major cause.
Symptoms of male infertility:
Infertility is the major symptom. Having a child often takes center stage in people’s life. Both men and women who are trying to get pregnant frequently experience feelings of depression, loss, grief, and inadequacy. Failure is common in males and females, but it is more in males.
The couples going through any of these emotions might wish to get support from medical professionals like therapists and psychiatrists who have experience in working with infertility problems. These professionals can give you proper treatment and assist you in dealing with the situation realistically.
- The problem with sexual function.
- Pain in the testicle area
- Inability to smell
- Lower sperm count than normal
- Not getting a child for a long period
When to visit a doctor?
Suppose you feel ejaculation problems and discomfort in the testicle area. If your partner is above 35, it is very important to meet a doctor to increase the chance of getting pregnant. Visiting a doctor in the early stage can cure your problem quickly. You must see a doctor if you cannot conceive a child after a year of regular and unprotected intercourse.
Medical causes:
Some infections might affect sperm health, and that can prevent the sperm from passing through. These include some sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or HIV, as well as inflammation of the testicles. Some illnesses can cause irreversible damage to the testicles and lower the production of sperm. When orgasm occurs, semen enters the bladder rather than coming out the tip of the penis, resulting in retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by several medical disorders, including diabetes, spinal injuries, drugs, and bladder, prostate, or urethra surgeries.
The reproductive system can be directly affected by cancers and tumors through reproductive hormone-producing tissues like the pituitary gland or unexplained causes. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can have an impact on male fertility. Infertility may be caused by problems with the testicles or affecting other hormonal systems, such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands. A variety of reasons causes these problems.
Environmental causes:
Heat and chemicals can reduce sperm production and function. Pesticides, herbicides, and organic solvents can lower the sperm count. A heavy metal exposure may also cause infertility. Radiation exposure can reduce the sperm count, and the high dose of radiation is the reason for the permanent reduction of sperm.
Infertility caused in males is because of various problems. Overheating may affect sperm production and function. The frequent use of hot tubs may temporarily reduce the sperm count. Sitting for a long period or working with the laptop for a long time can increase the temperature in the scrotum and decrease sperm production. You should maintain proper health.
Health and lifestyle:
With the increased muscle mass and strength, anabolic steroids have the potential to shrink testicles and lower sperm counts. The quantity and quality of your sperm may also briefly decline if you use cocaine. Consuming alcohol can reduce testosterone levels and lead to erectile dysfunction, and decrease sperm production.
Fertility issues could result from excessive drinking-related liver damage. The obesity problem can increase the chance of infertility. Smoking may cause infertility in men compared to non-smokers. Male fertility may also be affected by secondhand smoke.
How common is male infertility?
Most couples struggle with infertility, and it is a big issue. One in every six couples attempting to get pregnant has infertility. Male factors are the main cause of infertility in at least half of all cases. This indicates that approximately 10% of men trying to get pregnant are infertile.
Diagnosis of male infertility:
To solve infertility problems, the doctor usually orders a semen analysis and blood test to measure your hormone level. The test is done to check the infections, and they will send you to get a scan to look at the testicle. In many cases, a testicular might be needed for diagnosis.
Treatment for male infertility:
Your doctor can help you to change your behavior if a component of your lifestyle is the reason for your infertility. They can also identify alternatives if your medicine for other problems may be the reason for your infertility. Your doctor might suggest hormonal therapy or other medications to address your infertility. If varicocele tract blockages are the root of your infertility, surgical procedures can be carried out to treat them. If you and your partner cannot conceive by yourself, assisted reproductive technologies may help you get pregnant.
Health effects of male infertility:
Testicular cancer and poor health can bring numerous chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression may cause male infertility. It is not that every infertile man will have an illness. But it is very important to take care of you and meet a doctor to have a regular check-up. Meet a doctor if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success.
The result of fertility may be less due to age. Fertility problems can cause stress to both men and women. So you can attend a couple of counseling to have confidence. Some fertility services focus on female than a male who comes to meet a doctor in the case of infertility. Both the partners should be investigated from the outset.
What tests are done?
Your doctor might perform a semen analysis initially. The following tests will be taken:
- Sperm volume will be counted
- The sperm will be counted per millimeter of semen
- The sperm count in your entire ejaculate
- Velocity: The sperm’s rate of movement.
- Linearity: how straight your sperm moves
- Color
- Viscosity: The rate at which your semen dissolves.
Treatment:
The exact reason cannot be found for infertility causes in males. Your doctor might be able to suggest treatments or actions that will result in conception. It is advised to check the female spouse in cases of infertility. According to your problem, particular therapies might be suggested. Several surgeries are done for infertility in males. The treatment for sexual intercourse can help you in pregnancy. If you have any infection in your body, you will be treated by the doctor.
After treatment:
The majority of the time, outpatient surgery can treat male infertility. These are performed while sedated by IV or general anesthesia. Although postoperative, there may be discomfort, and you can recover quickly. Your healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination to take care of yourself.
The veins are blocked off during surgery to stop unnatural blood flow, and the veins frequently remain swollen. Menstrual samples should be analyzed every three months for at least a year or until pregnancy. Ask your doctor about ARTs if you continue to have difficulty getting pregnant.
Infertility can be stopped:
In the materialistic world, several technologies have been found to treat male infertility. There are several treatment options for infertility. Depending on the case, the treatment can vary. Hormone therapy is done to increase the number of sperm. You should maintain good health by doing exercise and eating healthy food. You should stop smoking and drinking.
Final Thoughts on Male Infertility:
It is very important to have confidence that you can make your child yourself. You should not get panicked by undergoing infertility treatment. You can convey your thoughts to your partner. You can stay in touch with your loved one and express your emotions so that you can feel relaxed.