Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to impregnate a woman due to problems with his reproductive system.
It can be caused by a variety of factors
hormonal imbalances
genetic defects
structural abnormalities
infections
lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use.
Some common causes of male infertility include:
Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
This is the most common cause
of male infertility. Low sperm count means that there is not enough sperm
present in the semen to fertilize an egg, while poor sperm quality refers to
sperm that are not able to move or have abnormal morphology.
Varicocele
This is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum become
enlarged, causing the temperature in the testicles to rise, and reducing
sperm quality and production.
Obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia
This is a condition in which
there is either a blockage in the tubes that carry sperm out of the
testicles, or the testicles do not produce any sperm.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as low levels of
testosterone or high levels of prolactin, can cause infertility in men.
Genetic defects
Genetic defects such as Klinefelter syndrome, Y-
chromosome microdeletions, and cystic fibrosis can also cause male
infertility.
Environmental factors
Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, lead, and
other chemicals, can affect sperm production and quality.
Treatment for male infertility is determined on the underlying cause. It may
include medicine to treat hormonal imbalances, surgery to correct a blockage in
the reproductive canal, or assisted reproductive technologies such as
intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Quitting
smoking, lowering alcohol use, and avoiding pollutants may also assist boost
male fertility.
Several treatments for Male Infertility:
Lifestyle changes
Improving lifestyle habits like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can help improve fertility.
Medications
Certain medications can be prescribed to increase sperm production or improve the quality of the sperm. These medications may include hormones, antibiotics, and antioxidants.
Surgery
Surgery can be performed to correct any physical abnormalities that may be affecting fertility, such as varicocele, blockages in the reproductive system, or testicular torsion.
Assisted reproductive techniques
In vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are some of the assisted reproductive techniques that can help couples conceive, even with low sperm count or quality.
Donor sperm
If all other treatments fail, using donor sperm can be an option for couples who want to conceive.
