8 Common Causes of Male Infertility
Sterility or inability to conceive is a problem that is well-known to affect most couples who are willing to start a family. Infertility can be a result of factors that affect either of the couples, but according to different research, it is known that male infertility explains roughly half of all cases and causes of male Infertility. Knowledge of the possibilities of male factor infertility is crucial in the process of treatment and increasing fertility rates. In this blog, we will look at 8 of the possible factors that can cause infertility in males and the effects that they come with. We will briefly discuss certain aspects of male fertility, such as what makes sperm watery and how to find a male infertility treatment doctor in Dubai.
1. Varicocele
A varicocele is, thereby, a condition whereby the convection of blood to the veins that are associated with the testicle is compromised. It is considered the most frequent, untreated, and reversible factor that affects male infertility. This makes the temperature in the scrotum rise, and this hampers sperm development as well as their performance. Clinically significant varicoceles are reported in about 15 percent of all men and 20 percent of men with primary infertility. They are even more common in men with secondary infertility; they are detected in 15-20% of cases of the given category. In regard to varicoceles, these pathological conditions are usually acquired during puberty and progress with time.
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2. Sperm Production Problems
Disorders that affect the sperm production capability are also a popular cause of infertility among men. There are a few different ways this can manifest:
- Oligospermia /Azoospermia: Absence of sperm count or absence in the sample of semen. This occurs in about 1% of the male population and in 10-15% of the cases of male infertility.
- Oligospermia: A low number of sperm in the ejaculate. Thus, sperm concentrations lower than 15 million per milliliter are considered to be reduced.
- Asthenozoospermia: The spermatozoa demonstrate poor progressive forward movement. At least 32% of infertile men receive a verdict of this kind.
- Teratozoospermia: It is a condition where there is a high number of abnormally shaped sperm present in a man’s semen. This occurs in approximately 10% of the infertile male populace.
Some factors that would result in low sperm production include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, varicoceles, infections, problems with ejaculation, and exposure to some toxin or radiation. In many cases, no specific reason can be given for simply having the condition or for the experience of the onset.
3. Ejaculation Problems
Another common cause of male infertility is erectile dysfunction, through which a man is unable to ejaculate. These include:
- Retrograde ejaculation – a situation when the semen goes into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis during ejaculation. This may be a result of diabetes, surgery, medicines, or spinal cord traumas, to mention but a few.
- Anejaculation – This is the state in which ejaculation does not occur at all. This is caused by spinal cord injury, certain drugs, or Surgical removal of some lymph nodes in the back for testicular cancer.
Erectile dysfunction hinders semen from being placed into a woman’s reproductive system, which makes natural conception impossible. However, some of these problems are treatable with medical intervention in the form of medication and or therapies.
4. Hypogonadism
Testosterone and other male sex hormone reduction are termed hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is another abnormality that it can induce, and this will see the confirmation of testicular failure and a low rate of sperm production. Primary hypogonadism is a result of testicular failure, Klinefelter syndrome, failed testicular descent, and testicular trauma or infection. Secondary hypogonadism is a result of a defect in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain on testosterone synthesis. Others are feelings of weakness, low sexual drive, spontaneous ejaculation, loss of libido, no growth of pubic and underarm hair or beard, infertility and flakes, anxiety and pessimistic outlook on life, and osteoporosis. Management consists of a change in hormonal balance, where a patient is put on testosterone replacement, or drugs are administered to encourage spermatogenesis.
5. Genetic Defects
Certain genetic defects and chromosomal abnormalities can lead to male infertility. These include:
- Klinefelter syndrome – An extra X chromosome that causes incomplete male sexual development and small, firm testicles. It affects about 1 in 500 to 1,000 men.
- Cystic fibrosis – A genetic disorder that can cause congenital absence of the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm. It affects about 1 in 3,000 men.
- Y chromosome microdeletions – Missing genes on the Y chromosome that are critical for sperm production. It accounts for 5-10% of cases of severe oligospermia or azoospermia.
- Autosomal translocations – Rearrangements of chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes. It occurs in 0.6% of infertile men.
Genetic testing can help identify these underlying causes of infertility. In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used to achieve pregnancy.
6. Immunologic Infertility
At times a man’s own body can develop antibodies that will attack sperm and make it unable to penetrate an egg. This phenomenon is referred to as antisperm antibodies. Antisperm antibodies are due to factors such as vasectomy, acquired testicular torsion, testicular biopsy, prostatitis, or testicular carcinoma. It is present in approximately 10% of the cases of the males experiencing infertility. It is very important to state that if a man has antisperm antibodies he is not automatically rendered infertile. Nevertheless they can affect the sperm quality and concentration, reduce motility and could hinder fertility. Unfortunately, therapeutic approaches remain rather limited, although surmounting the antibodies may be possible by carrying out IVF with ICSI.
7. Medications and Drugs
Certain medications and drugs can negatively impact male fertility. These include:
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer
- Anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Some blood pressure medications
- Certain antidepressants
- Alcohol and illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine
The effects of these substances on fertility can range from temporary to permanent, depending on the type and duration of exposure. Discontinuing the medication or drug may help restore fertility in some cases.
8. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to male infertility. These include:
- Exposure to toxins like pesticides, lead, or heavy metals
- Excessive heat exposure to the testicles from hot tubs, laptops on the lap, or tight underwear
- Obesity
- Smoking cigarettes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High stress levels
While the impact of these factors may be less severe than some of the medical causes, they can still negatively affect sperm production and function. Making lifestyle changes to reduce exposure and improve overall health may help boost fertility.
What Causes Watery Sperm?
Watery or thin sperm is a common issue that many men experience at some point. It’s usually not a cause for concern and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infrequent ejaculation – When you don’t ejaculate for a long period of time, the seminal fluid may become more watery.
- Medications – Some medications like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and antibiotics can affect semen quality.
- Retrograde ejaculation – When semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis, it can appear watery.
- Infection – Infections in the prostate, seminal vesicles, or testicles may cause watery, discolored semen.
- Varicocele – The enlarged veins of a varicocele can impair semen quality, sometimes making it appear watery.
- Stress – High stress levels can temporarily affect semen consistency and volume.
In most cases, watery sperm is not a sign of infertility. However, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty urinating, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out an underlying condition. Persistent watery semen with a low sperm count may require further evaluation and treatment.
Male Infertility Treatment Doctor in Dubai
If you’re experiencing issues with fertility, it’s important to see a male infertility treatment doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating male reproductive problems. Here are a few tips for finding the right doctor in Dubai:
- Look for a urologist or andrologist like Dr Haluk who has specific training and experience in male infertility. Many urologists have additional subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine.
- Ask about the doctor’s success rates with different fertility treatments. Reputable doctors should be able to provide data on pregnancy rates with procedures like IVF, ICSI, and varicocele repair.
- Consider the doctor’s communication style and whether you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics related to your sexual and reproductive health. A good doctor should make you feel at ease.
- Make sure the doctor’s clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment technologies for male infertility. This may include semen analysis, hormonal testing, genetic testing, and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
- Ask if the doctor works closely with a team of fertility specialists, including reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and nurses. Coordinated care is important for successful outcomes
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to find one you trust and feel comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you have any concerns. With the right treatment from an experienced specialist, many men with infertility are able to achieve their goal of starting a family.
Does Hernia Affect Male Fertility?
Hernias are rather widespread and are related to the situation when an organ or fat develops a kind of bulge in the muscle or connective tissue. Hernias themselves do not cause infertility; however, depending on the type of hernia and the location of the affected organ, they could pose a threat to the fertility of the individual.
The main ways a hernia may impact male fertility include:
- Testicular torsion – It is characterized by the twist of the testicle due to the presence of an inguinal hernia that leads to the cutting off of blood supply. This is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately to avoid the risk of damage to the testicles, and in extension, impotence.
- It was also seen that men with inguinal hernias are likely to have varicocele. From the above discussions, varicoceles can result from different procedures, hence making them some of the common causes of male infertility.
- Postoperative risks – Surgery for hernia repair could affect the vas deferens or the blood supply to the testicles in cases of complications, thus affecting fertility.
- Psychological factors – Any type of hernia, if painful or likely to be a source of discomfort, can give rise to anxiety and stress, which may detract from the couple’s sexual activity and fertility.
Still, it should be stated that most hernias don’t lead to the problem of infertility in men. Although the point is mentioned that the hernia per se results in fertility issues, proper treatment of the hernia that may include minimally invasive surgical repair usually alleviates these fertility problems. Most cases of groin hernias are treated with surgery, and men with hernias who are planning to father a child should consult with their urologist or andrologist.
Therefore, even though hernias themselves are indirectly associated with male infertility, they can be a trigger or a part of the male infertility issue in some cases. Early management of hernias and conditions that may be linked to them will be beneficial, especially for male fertility.
Conclusion
Male Infertility is multifactorial, and there can be quite a number of reasons. Knowledge about causes of male infertility in men, such as varicocele, abnormalities in sperm production, ejaculation disorders, genetic abnormalities, and environmental factors, will help in the right kind of treatment. For those who face problems with fertility, it is advised to not hesitate and turn to a male infertility treatment doctor in Dubai. It is thus encouraging that with appropriate diagnosis and appropriate management, many of the affected men are able to fertility and actualize their desire for a family. Bear in mind you are not the only one – male Infertility is a rather widespread issue affecting an estimated 70 million men worldwide.