Approximately 15% of couples suffer from fertility problems, which means the inability to conceive despite having sex without using contraception for a sufficient period, and in half of the cases, the cause is a problem with male fertility. Specifications of sperm suitable for conception In order to achieve fertility, it is imperative for the male to produce normal sperm capable of reaching, penetrating and fertilizing the egg.
Normal sperm production requires normal development of the male reproductive organs, the presence of at least one properly functioning testicle, and an adequate amount of hormones that stimulate the production of adequate sperm cells, particularly testosterone.
The sperm from the testicle in which it is formed must reach the seminal fluid secreted by the seminal glands and the prostate through a delicate and complex system of tubes.
A minimum of 20 million sperm cells per milliliter of semen is required, as fewer of these sperm cells reach the semen, which reduces the chances of fertilization.
Sperm cells must be able to move so that they can reach the egg, as well as have a suitable shape that allows them to penetrate and fertilize the egg.
Symptoms of male infertility
The main symptom is reflected in the inability to conceive, but infertility refers to additional symptoms, such as:
Impotence manifested by late or premature ejaculation.
Pain or swelling in the testicles.
Facial and body hair loss that reflects hormonal or chromosomal disorders.
Causes and risk factors for male infertility
Male infertility may result from producing a very low amount of sperm, because the sperm is abnormally shaped, is not able to move enough, or there is a problem with the delivery system that prevents the moving sperm from reaching the target. Chronic injuries and improper lifestyle can affect male fertility.
The causes of infertility in men are divided into several factors
1. Medical factors causing infertility in men
Among the most important are the following
Varicocele
It is an edema of the veins that drain blood from the testicle, as the veins are necessary to keep the temperature of the testicle lower than the temperature of the rest of the body.
When the blockage occurs, the temperature of the testicle rises, so the ability of the sperm cells to move decreases.
Infectious injuries
Pollutants can affect the ability to produce and normal sperm, thus producing scar tissue that blocks the ducts and impedes the movement of sperm cells within them.
This includes sexually transmitted diseases, such as: syphilis, chlamydia, and other diseases, such as: infections of the prostate gland, testicular damage due to a certain disease, and infections of the urinary tract and pelvic organs.
Ejaculation rebound
When sperm reaches the urethra, it returns to the bladder instead of exiting the end of the penis. This condition can be caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, many medications used to treat the prostate, as well as surgeries and injuries to the bladder and urethra.
Sperm antibodies
Sperm cells are very different from other cells in the body, so there is a system called the Blood Testis Barrier that prevents attacking sperm cells by the immune system, knowing that some people who are born with antibodies to sperm cells have decreased fertility rates.
Oncology
Various types of cancer can directly affect the testicles, or the tubes that carry sperm, and cause hormonal disruptions that prevent sperm production.
The testicles do not descend
Some men do not descend one or both testicles into the scrotum in time for development, resulting in the development of abnormal testicular function.
hormonal disorders
Sperm production depends on stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testis itself, and other hormones.
A deficiency in hormones can lead to a disorder in sperm production.
2. Environmental and personal factors that cause infertility in men
Among the most important of these factors
Exposure to pesticides.
radiation.
toxic metals.
Saunas or hot tubs.
Riding on a bicycle for long periods leads to a rise in the temperature of the testicles, and this reduces the amount of sperm production, thus reducing the fertility rate of a man.
smoking.
Take drugs.
Deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
Weight gain or loss.
Complications of male infertility
Complications of male infertility
Anxiety and stress.
Use of expensive assisted reproductive technologies.
Increased risk of testicular cancer or skin cancer.
Diagnosis of male infertility
In many cases, the difficulty of pregnancy results from the occurrence of disorders in both spouses, so the matter begins to be clarified in parallel with both.
Initial diagnosis in males begins with the following basic procedures
Detailed medical history.
Comprehensive medical examination.
A laboratory test of semen to check the number of sperm cells in the sample and the nature of the sperm.
After relying on simple basic examinations to determine the initial clinical suspicion, the diagnosis can be confirmed using the following:
Ultrasound examination of the testicles.
Hormonal examination.
Post-ejaculation urine test.
Genetic tests.
Biopsy of the testicle.
Antibody test.
Angiography. This test shows the tubes transporting sperm and seminal fluid.
Male infertility treatment
Male infertility treatment depends on the primary infertility factor and infertility treatment is directed at eliminating the factor causing the infertility problem.
Among the most important treatments used
Surgery: It helps in many cases of blockage of the testicular veins.
Medicines: They are effective in cases where there is a hormonal disorder, or a disorder in the performance of sexual function, or various polluting factors.
Prevention of male infertility
The following are the most important ways to prevent male infertility
Quit Smoking.
Reduce drinking alcohol.
Abstain from drug use.
Avoid things that raise testicular temperature.
Reducing stress.
