8 causes of male infertility and how they are treated

8 causes of male infertility and how they are treated

Read to know what underlying health issues can give rise to infertility in case of men-

Kshiti Biswas
Kshiti Biswas
October 1, 2022
Male Infertility
5 mins

When a man is infertile, it can be devastating for him and his partner. In the past, men didn't talk about their fertility problems openly, because it was thought impolite to even mention it. But today's male infertility has reached epidemic proportions and it is estimated that men contribute to nearly 50% of all infertility cases. 

That said, here are some of the major contributors to male infertility-

  1. Varicocele

Varicoceles are abnormally dilated veins. The blood flow in the veins of the testicles is redirected to the spermatic cord, which is why it appears as a varicose vein. Although they're not harmful, varicoceles can sometimes lead to infertility if they're associated with other conditions such as a blockage or injury to the testicle. Varicoceles can cause problems for men who want to father children because they reduce blood flow in the testicle and may lead to problems with sperm production and quality. Varicoceles generally do not need any treatment, if they do, it is generally a minor surgery to correct the veins.

  1. Infections

Some infections, such as the ones that are sexually transmitted, like Gonorrhea and HIV can render permanent testicular damage, even though some sperms can still be retrieved. Other infections interfere with sperm production, passage, and even sperm health. Here, ART can be employed to treat infertility.

  1. Cancers

Cancer and cancer treatments can affect fertility negatively, Chemotherapy can damage sperm cells and sperm-forming cells in men, whereas hormone therapy can decrease sperm production. In this case, the sperm cells can be retrieved and frozen before cancer treatment begins to use later after the treatment. 

  1. Undescended testicles

When one of both testicles fails to descend into the scrotal sac, it can cause infertility in men. It can affect men’s fertility by causing low sperm count, and poor sperm quality. Undescended testicles do not produce sperm. However, it can be surgically corrected if detected at an early age. 

  1. Hormonal imbalances

Disbalances in hormones produced by glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal can disrupt the normal functioning fertility of a man. Low testosterone, i.e., hypogonadism can also cause male infertility. For this, hormone medications can be given by the physician to regulate hormone levels. 

  1. Chromosome defects

When there are chromosomal abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, where the male is b born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y. This causes abnormal development in the reproductive organs. Cystic fibrosis and Kallmann's syndrome are also infertility-causing chromosomal defects. ART such as ICSI and IVF can help with overcoming infertility.

  1. Intercourse

These include trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, or other anatomical abnormalities that interfere with the activity of intercourse. For treating infertility in this case, counseling and/or medications are given to treat infertility.

  1. Medications

A number of medications are also responsible for causing infertility in men. Treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid usage,  cancer medications (or chemotherapy), and some drugs for ulcers and arthritis among a couple of other medications can cause male infertility. 

So, what can you do about infertility? If you are suffering from male infertility, it is important to consult your doctor for a complete evaluation. Early intervention is the key to success in treating male infertility. Many times there are simple lifestyle changes or medical treatments that can increase your chances of sperm becoming healthy and mobile. Talk with your reproductive specialist today and start down the road to fatherhood.

References

  • Cleveland Clinic. (2021, May 26). Male Infertility: Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17201-male-infertility
  • Mayo Clinic. (2021). Male infertility - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773
  • Kaushal R, Gurnani N, Kumar M, Dada R, Kumar R. Male infertility in India: Demographics, aetiology and outcomes of standard clinical practice. Natl Med J India 2020;33:340-343

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