Infertility | Fertility | Ovulation | Conception | Pregnancy

An Overview Of The Causes And Treatments Of Men's Infertility

In this article, we look at the diagnostic procedures, reasons and solutions of infertility in men ...

Infertility In Men

There is a myth that failure in conception occurs due to females only.

In reality, any one of the partners can be responsible for this occurrence.

In 40% of all infertility cases, men are the cause.

Diagnostic Procedures

The simplest diagnostic test for men's infertility is semen analysis. This will assess the quality of the sperm, anti-sperm antibodies or high levels of white blood cells in semen.

Detection of a disease azoospermia (absence of the sperm from the semen) can also be done by this test. Other tests that men may need to undergo are sperm penetration assay that checks the ability of a man’s sperm to penetrate a female egg and acrosome reaction test. To check hormonal abnormality, blood tests should be done.

Causes

There are various reasons for men's infertility. Some of these are given below:

• Duct blockage - surgery for hernia or hydrocele, infections like TB, gonorrohea, Chlamydia, syphilis or filariasis can cause blockage of the passage between the testis and the penis. These can also cause decreased sperm production in some of the cases. This in consequence will lead to obstructive azoospermia.
• Hormonal imbalance due to pituitary or adrenal gland can lead to non-obstructive azoospermia.
• Infertility can be due to substance abuse. Alcohol can raise estrogen level in the body causing suppression of the sperm. Narcotics can cause erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory problems. Even prescribed drugs have the potential to affect male fertility to a great extent, especially if taken for long time. Antihypertensive, antipsychotic and corticosteroids are some among these.
• Some testicular factors can cause decrease in sperm production. Like un-descended testes, i.e. when testes lie in the abdomen; twisting of testes leading to lack in blood supply; heat and damage due to exercise. Testis needs a cooler environment to produce sperm. That is why heat or tight clothes affect it adversely.
• A swollen varicose vein in the scrotum most commonly on the left side is called Varicocele. The blood that gets accumulated in the swollen testicular veins causes increase in temperature in testis that can affect sperm production adversely.
• Male infertility can be due to ejaculation problems also. It might be a problem in having an erection or the erection might be inadequate for vaginal penetration. Certain psychological factors like performance anxiety or social stigma against sex can be blamed for such problems.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, insecticides, x-rays and pesticides can cause decrease in sperm count.

At least some of these problems have some simple solutions, such as the ones that are given below:

• The ejaculation problem can be overcome by collecting sperm through masturbation that can be used later for artificial insemination.
• Some of the infertility problems caused by infections can be treated by antibiotics.
• Abstinence can restore the sperm count.
• Loose fitting underwear and cool clothes should be worn by men.
• Frequency of intercourse should be increased to increase the chances of conception.
• Medicines should be taken only after proper advice and precaution.

Keeping in mind these steps, men can treat at least some of their infertility problems.

Next article: Intrauterine Insemination - A Closer Look At The Process

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