What Is Male Infertility?
According to WomensHealth.gov, approximately one-third of infertile couples have problems with male infertility. Male infertility usually occurs when men produce damaged or insufficient amounts of sperm. It can also be caused by blockages that keep sperm from being ejaculated.
What Are the Risk Factors for Male Infertility?
There are a variety of risk factors for male infertility. They include
age over 35
smoking
heavy alcohol use
use of certain illicit drugs, such as anabolic steroids
bicycling for long periods, especially on a hard saddle
being overweight or underweight
a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
toxin exposure
testicles that are kept too warm
prior vasectomy or reversal
inherited fertility disorders
some medical conditions, including Celiac disease (an autoimmune digestive disease), genetic chromosome defects, and certain cancers
certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation
Sperm Disorders & Male Infertility
Sperm problems are a major cause of infertility in men. These disorders include
low sperm count, i.e. too few or no sperm in the semen
low sperm motility, i.e. sperm that don’t move as well as they should
malformation of the sperm
A number of factors can affect sperm production.
Varicocele
Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility. Men with this condition have enlarged veins around the vas deferens. The vas deferens are the ducts that
carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
Varicocele causes blood to pool around the testicles. This makes the temperature inside the scrotum increase. Heat can lower sperm production.
Infections
Infections can interfere with sperm production, health, and movement. They can also cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.
Infections that can affect fertility include
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
prostatitis, an inflamed prostate
mumps, which can cause an inflammation of the testicles known as mumps orchitis
urinary infections
Medication
Certain medications can affect sperm production and impair fertility. These include
testosterone replacement therapy
anabolic steroid use
chemotherapy
certain antibiotics
some ulcer drugs (i.e. H2 blockers)
Undescended Testicles
This condition occurs when one or both testicles do not descend from the abdomen during fetal development. It can interfere with sperm production and movement.
Hormone Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can affect sperm growth and maturation. They can also prevent the release of sperm and affect sex drive.
Hormonal problems may begin in the brain or the testicles. Glands in the brain control hormone production. However, most hormones related to sperm production are made in the testicles.
Other Causes of Male Infertility
A number of other factors are also associated with male infertility, including
Genetic Conditions
Certain genetic conditions can affect fertility. For example, men with cystic fibrosis may be born without sperm ducts. Chromosomal diseases can also affect development of the male reproductive tract.
Previous Injuries
Injuries can cause scarring in the sperm ducts that carry sperm from the testicles. One cause of such scarring is extended bicycle riding.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Men with retrograde ejaculation ejaculate backward into their bladders. This
condition makes conceiving difficult. Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by a variety of things, including:
previous surgeries
diabetes
spinal injuries
certain medications, particularly those prescribed for enlarged prostate
Spinal cord injuries can also cause a complete lack of ejaculation. However, men may still make sperm, even if they do not ejaculate it.
Sexual Intercourse Problems
Concerns about infertility can cause sexual problems within couples. However, sexual problems can also contribute to infertility by reducing opportunities to conceive. Such problems include:
erectile dysfunction
condition makes conceiving difficult. Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by a variety of things, including:
previous surgeries
diabetes
spinal injuries
certain medications, particularly those prescribed for enlarged prostate
Spinal cord injuries can also cause a complete lack of ejaculation. However, men may still make sperm, even if they do not ejaculate it.
Sexual Intercourse Problems
Concerns about infertility can cause sexual problems within couples. However, sexual problems can also contribute to infertility by reducing opportunities to conceive. Such problems include:
erectile dysfunction
