Approximately 15 percent of couples are infertile. This means they aren’t able to conceive a child even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In about half of these couples, male infertility plays a role.
Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.
CAUSES
Male fertility is a complex process. To get your partner pregnant, the following must occur:
1.You must produce healthy sperm.
Initially, this involves the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty
. 2.At least one of your testicles must be functioning correctly, and your body must produce testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production.
3.Sperm have to be carried into the semen. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis.
4 There needs to be enough sperm in the semen. If the number of sperm in your semen (sperm count) is low, it decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner’s egg.
- A low sperm count is fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate.
6. Sperm must be functional and able to move. If the movement (motility) or function of your sperm is abnormal, the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate your partner’s egg.
Medical causes
Problems with male fertility can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:
1. Varicocele. A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It’s the most common reversible cause of male infertility. This may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and fewer moving sperm.
2.Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health, or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea; inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis); and inflamed testicles due to mumps (mumps orchitis). Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage,…
Environmental causes
Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function. Specific causes include:
- Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may contribute to low sperm counts.
Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility.
2. Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production, though it will often eventually return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
3. Overheating the testicles. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily lower your sperm count. Sitting for a long period…
Health, lifestyle, and other causes
Some other causes of male infertility include:
1. Illegal drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
2. Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.
3. Occupation. Certain occupations can increase your risk of infertility, including those associated with extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work, and work-related stress, driving.
4. Tobacco smoking. Men who smok…
SYMPTOMS
The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms. Male infertility signs and symptoms may include:
1. The inability to conceive a child
2. Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation, reduced sexual desire or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
3. Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
Recurrent respiratory infections.
4.Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality.
5.Having a …
A number of risk factors are linked to male infertility. They include:
1.Smoking tobacco
2.Using alcohol
3.Using certain illegal drugs
4 Being overweight
5.Having certain past or present infections
6.Being exposed to toxins
7.Overheating the testicles by driving ect.
8.Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
9.Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
10.Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
Taking certain medications or undergoing medical treatments, such surgery or radiation used for treating cancer
11.Performing certain prolonged activities such as bicycling or horseback riding, especially on a hard seat or poorly adjusted bicycle.
COMPLICATIONS
Infertility can be stressful for both you and your partner. Complications of male infertility can include:
1.Surgery or other procedures to treat an underlying cause of low sperm count or other reproductive problems
2.Expensive and involved reproductive techniques
3.Stress and relationship difficulties related to the inability to have a child
4.An increased risk of inherited syndromes, including cystic fibrosis, Klinefelter syndrome
5.An increased risk of hormonal abnormalities
An increased risk of cancer, including testicular, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate cancer
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
Many types of male infertility aren’t preventable. However, you can avoid some known causes of male infertility:
1.Don’t smoke.
2.Limit or abstain from alcohol.
3.Steer clear of illegal drugs.
4.Keep the weight off.
5.Don’t get a vasectomy.
6.Avoid the heat.
7.Reduce stress.
8.Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.
9.Though the risk isn’t conclusive, if you’re an avid cyclist, consider using a gel saddle and a full-suspension bicycle. It may also help to avoid wearing very tightfitting clothing for long periods of time.
In conclusion I will say that men should not think because they can perform longer minutes or hours on a woman means they are fertile.no fertility go beyond that.it is not the number of time u stay on top of ur woman but is the result that comes out of it which is pregnancy.
Others think that because they have given birth before with the same or other woman could not means they can be infertile. We all have to be be careful and do try and go for semen analysis So that we will know if we are fertile or not.
Thank you may God heal us all.
Dr.ismail ibrahim
