Male infertility: everything you need to know

Male infertility problems are widespread even if often little known. The causes of infertility in men can today be diagnosed with sufficient precision by a specialist and in some cases treated.

More and more couples who want a child are faced with male fertility problems which in a very high number of cases present with difficulty in conceiving.

In order for conception to occur, sperm must be produced in adequate quantities, be healthy, vital and efficient.

If the spermatozoa do not have these characteristics, there is a pathology of the male reproductive system which makes it less fertile (in fact, we speak of infertility when there is a reduced reproductive capacity).

The causes of male infertility

Male reproductive capacity depends on a number of factors. In fact, man must be able to:

• get an erection and ejaculate so that the sperm can reach the egg cell
• have healthy sperm with adequate sperm count and motility

Usually the causes of male infertility are classified into 4 main categories :

1. hormonal dysfunctions
2. sperm abnormalities
3. damage to the testicles or other physiological problems
4. genetic abnormalities

It is not always possible to identify and understand the causes: when a specific motivation cannot be found, we speak of idiopathic causes (they represent 30% of cases).

The remaining 70% have known causes which are broken down as follows:

• 2-5% hormonal origin
• 30% due to consequences of varicocele
• 10-20% for infections
• 6-7% obstruction of the spermatic ducts
• 6-7% genetic origin

Sperm related problems

Sperm-related problems are the most common causes of infertility .

Sperm can be immature , abnormally shaped , or unable to move . Or they may be too few or even absent.

We realize this through a spermiogram which is a sperm test . This examination allows us to have indications on the quality of the male semen .

If a spermiogram gives a negative result, the causes may be due to:

• Infections or inflammatory conditions. For example, infection with the mumps virus after puberty can irreparably damage male fertility.
• Hormonal or pituitary gland problems
• Immune problems in which antibodies against your own sperm are produced
• Environmental risks such as exposure to pesticides , solvents, sunscreens , plastics, paints, electromagnetic radiation , aluminum .
• Lifestyles: include the use of tobacco, the use of alcohol , the use of marijuana or steroids, type of diet , being overweight and sedentary
• Genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis

Anatomical problems

Anything that blocks the reproductive tract can stop the flow of sperm. The cause may be a congenital genetic defect. Or a consequence of a  sexually transmitted disease . Other causes include varicoceles or scar tissue from surgery

Other factors

Other factors may include erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation .

Who is at risk of infertility?

A man may be at risk of having an infertility problem if he has had:

• Prostate inflammation or previous genital infections
• Mumps (mumps) after puberty
• Twisted testicle
• Early or late puberty
• Exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
• Inguinal hernias
• Cryptorchidism (failure of the testicles to descend into place within the first year of life)
• Taking certain medications such as those for ulcers, psoriasis, depression and high blood pressure can decrease male fertility.
• Fever can reduce reproductive capacity for 60-180 days
• Exposure to heat sources   or wearing underwear that is too stressful affects male fertility.
• Overweight and obesity

What are the symptoms of male infertility?

Fertility problems could be suspected when pregnancy does not occur after a year of targeted attempts .

In this case both the man and the woman will have to undergo some checks .

What exams to take

Your doctor looks at your patient history and orders some tests including:

• spermiogram   (a single spermiogram is often not enough to pinpoint the problem
• spermiocultura
• Blood tests to check hormone levels and rule out other problems.
• Testicular ultrasound
• Testicular biopsy In case the spermiogram shows the absence or minimal presence of sperm.

How is male infertility treated?

Treatment depends on what’s causing the fertility problem.

For example, drugs can be used (in case of hormonal problems or infections), or surgery (in case of varicocele) or artificial insemination ( IUI , IVF or ICSI ). The technique is chosen according to the type of problem encountered.

Your doctor who specializes in male fertility problems should always be your primary point of contact. Always contact him if you have any questions or concerns regarding your fertility situation.