Male infertility is defined as the inability to impregnate a fertile female partner after more than a year of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Couples who wish to start a family but are having trouble with male fertility may find this concerning and may opt for assisted reproduction techniques to successfully conceive a baby. In this article, we will explore symptoms, causes, and treatments for male infertility.
Symptoms of Infertility in Male
Recognizing the signs of male infertility is essential for tackling this issue because men’s reproductive health is necessary for successful conception. However, it is hard to really see or notice any symptoms of infertility, there are a few signs that can indicate infertility in men. A few of them are:
Reduced Sexual Desire:
Changes in sexual function are one of the main signs of male infertility. A persistent failure to obtain or maintain an erection, or erectile dysfunction (ED), may point to underlying fertility issues. Reduced libido or decreased sexual desire may also indicate hormonal abnormalities that impact sperm production.
Having Problems with Ejaculation:
Ejaculatory issues may potentially be an indication of infertility. Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when semen leaves the penis and exits through the bladder, or premature ejaculation may be signs of a problem with the reproductive system.
Lump, Pain, or Swelling:
Another group of symptoms to be on the lookout for in men with infertility is physical discomfort. Infections, varicoceles (enlarged testicular veins), or other underlying problems that affect fertility can cause pain or swelling in the testicular region. Testicular cancer may be present if there are lumps or abnormalities, and therapy may have an impact on fertility.
Reasons for Infertility in Men
There are various reasons for infertility in men, however, the exact factor causing infertility may differ from one patient to another based on their lifestyle choices, condition, and overall health. The following are a few reasons for infertility in men:
Imbalance of Hormones Levels
Male fertility can be significantly impacted by hormonal imbalances. Gynecomastia and other signs of breast tissue growth (such as reduced face or body hair growth) could indicate hormonal imbalances. These imbalances may be brought on by problems with the pituitary gland, which controls hormone production, or the testes.
Low Sperm Quality and Count:
Changes in sperm count, motility, and morphology are possibly the most obvious signs of male infertility. Successful conception can be hampered by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and aberrant sperm shape. Semen analysis, a crucial diagnostic tool for determining male fertility, can be used to assess these variables.
Underlying Chronic Medical Issues:
Male infertility can result from a variety of medical conditions. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other chronic disorders like diabetes can have a detrimental effect on reproductive health. Fertility may also be impacted by illnesses like cystic fibrosis, which can cause the vas deferens (the tubes that deliver sperm) to be nonexistent or clogged.
Lifestyle Factors:
Male infertility might also be impacted by unhealthy lifestyle choices. The production and quality of sperm can be harmed by excessive alcohol usage, smoking, drug use, and obesity. A better lifestyle can have a positive impact on fertility.
Exposures to the negative elements of environment:
Male infertility can be aggravated by exposure to some environmental variables, including pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation. Exposures at work should be kept to a minimum, and if exposure is unavoidable, protective precautions should be adopted.
Diagnosis for Male Infertility
Without a diagnosis, it might be challenging to identify male infertility. To identify the underlying cause and choose the appropriate course of action in order to restore the normal operation of male fertility, a proper evaluation or in-depth examination is required. Men who are facing infertility issues may be diagnosed with:
- Physical examination
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Semen analysis
- Blood test
- Testicular biopsy
Treatments for Male Infertility
After diagnosis, to help men restore fertility, the following procedures are most commonly suggested by specialists:
- Medicines or fertility drugs: When the severity is mild to severe, medication is often prescribed as the first line of treatment. Some medicines and fertility supplements work to increase the necessary hormone levels, which leads to the creation of healthy sperm.
- Surgery: Vasectomy reversal, varicocele repair, and surgical correction of anatomical or congenital anomalies are a few examples of conditions that may require surgery in order to restore fertility.
- Lifestyle Modifications: The fertility specialist might offer some recommendations. It aids in creating a healthy daily routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking or using any other tobacco product, avoiding junk food or processed foods, and limiting alcohol intake, all of which can improve fertility.
- ARTs: Couples seeking to conceive who are having serious male infertility issues can greatly benefit from assisted reproductive procedures (ART). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are ART procedures that have better success rates.
- Antibiotics: The doctor will advise a few antibiotics to treat minor fertility disorders efficiently when they result from an infection in the body and affect sperm production.
Bottom Line
Male infertility is a major contributing factor and cause for couples who are having trouble becoming pregnant naturally. The reasons, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for male infertility is briefly discussed in this article. If the necessary medical assistance is provided right away, the likelihood of a successful conception is likely to rise even further. Thanks to improvements in assisted reproduction technology (ART) and the range of treatments available to patients in need, many couples struggling with male infertility may find hope and the possibility of having children and starting a family. Consult our fertility specialist right away if you’ve been diagnosed with infertility disorder and need expert advice. You can book an appointment by filling out the necessary information or by giving us a call at the number provided; one of our medical counsellors will contact you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I prevent infertility?
Here are a few tips that can help you prevent male infertility:
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Refrain from smoking
- Mainatin a healthy routine
- Reduce stress as much as possible
- Eat healthy diet
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun targeting scrotal region
- Avoid frequent hot baths
- Do regular exercise
- What are the major causes of male infertility?
Low sperm counts, sperm abnormalities, and blockages in the spermatic cords are some of the major causes of male infertility.
- Can varicocele affect my fertility?
Yes, varicocele usually affects the normal function of fertility. The enlarged vein puts pressure on other veins, restricting proper blood circulation and causing fertility issues.
- Is fertility a genetic problem?
Not always. There are two types of inefrtility in men: genetic and acquired. The exact cause may vary from one male to another and can only be detected after a through diagnosis.
