What is Male Infertility?
It is estimated that up to 7% of men are affected by infertility and 50% of fertility problems within couples are due to male infertility. Although in around half of male infertility cases, the cause is unexplained.
Male infertility can be due to multiple reasons including varicocele (enlargement of spermatic veins), testicular failure, hormone dysfunction, genital tract infection or exposure to toxins, but in almost a third of cases, the cause is unknown.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility of which the cause is unknown or unexplained, is called idiopathic infertility. Oxidative stress (OS) is believed to be an important cause of idiopathic male infertility. Oxidative stress is a condition where the body’s natural antioxidant defense mechanisms are overwhelmed by harmful free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS).30 % – 40 % of infertile men have elevated levels of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their seminal plasma.
Common Symptoms of Male Infertility:
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 causes signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms you may notice include:
- Difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Inability to smell
- Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality
- A lower than normal sperm count
Some medical causes include:
- Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include inflammation of the epididymis, and some sexually transmitted infections.
- Antibodies that attack sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to eliminate them.
- Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction.
- Hormone imbalances. Infertility can result from disorders of the testicles themselves or an abnormality affecting other hormonal systems including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Low testosterone and other hormonal problems have a number of possible underlying causes.
- Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to a protein found in wheat called gluten. The condition may contribute to male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
- Certain medications. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), some ulcer drugs, some arthritis drugs and certain other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
- Prior surgeries. Certain surgeries may prevent you from having sperm in your ejaculate, including vasectomy, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancers, among others.
It is always best to consult with a specialist about your condition as well as the side effects it might have on your well being.
