Infertility in Men

Infertility in Men: Causes and Risk Factors

Every person dreams of a happy family and healthy children. However, sometimes you have to face the problem of infertility and this can lead to serious emotional and psychological difficulties. It is a common misconception that infertility in women is the main cause, however, there are many cases of male infertility. In this article we will look at the main causes and risk factors of male infertility.

A man's ability to reproduce depends entirely on the quality and quantity of sperm, and not at all on his sexual activity. Every second, more than a thousand sperm are produced in the male body. From the onset of puberty until death, this process continues continuously. And all so that one day the fastest and most resilient sperm reaches the female egg and fertilizes it.

However, there are many diseases and simply unfavorable factors that can cause disruptions in this process. Male infertility is based on three problems: inferiority of sperm, a sharp decrease in their number and a violation of their movement along the vas deferens and ejection.

The most common causes of male infertility:

1. Varicocele (15% of cases) is an enlargement of the veins of the testicle and spermatic cord. As a result of varicocele, the temperature in the testicles increases, their functioning is disrupted, and, therefore, sperm are damaged.

2. Injuries and defects of the male genital organs (undescended and torsion of the testicles) - 10-12%.

3. Infectious diseases (10% of cases). First of all, those that are sexually transmitted: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, etc. But the worst effect of all sexually transmitted infections on men is the common childhood disease mumps - “mumps”.

4. Inflammation of the male genitourinary organs, such as the prostate gland (prostatitis) or the urethra (urethritis).

5. Sexual disorders: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, etc.

6. Immunological disorders: when the immune system fails, the body begins to produce special substances that can damage its own sperm, which can lead to their reduction and inferiority.

7. Hormonal disorders: A lack of hormones such as testosterone can lead to impaired development of the male reproductive organs and reduced sperm count.

8. The negative influence of environmental factors: harmful working conditions, alcohol consumption, smoking, drugs, radiation, etc. can negatively affect the quality and quantity of sperm.

9. Genetic disorders: The presence of genetic abnormalities can lead to impaired development of the male reproductive organs and a decrease in sperm count.

10. Other diseases and conditions: diabetes, thyroid disease, and the use of certain medications, such as antibiotics, can have a negative impact on the quality and quantity of sperm.

Risk factors for male infertility include age (sperm count decreases with age), obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, low levels of physical activity, and bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

If you suspect male infertility, then you need to consult a urologist who will conduct the necessary studies and determine the cause of the problem. In most cases, male infertility can be successfully treated, so do not put off visiting your doctor until later.