Infertility in Men

Infertility may be defined as the inability to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year.

Infertility may be as a result of an issue linked to the man or woman, or a combination of various factors that work to prevent conception.

Infertility is sometimes difficult to determine mainly because the factors responsible for causing it are varied and may require wide screening and testing of both partners to diagnose it. Infertility in men may be accompanied by hormonal problems such as changes in hair growth and sexual function.

Most couples will eventually conceive, however, with or without treatment.

Causes of Male Infertility

1.    Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may affect up to 25% of the couples struggling with infertility. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a number of factors which include:

·        Venous Leak – When the veins that normally compress during an erection do not compress fully, it can make the erection to be short-lived. This is usually as a result of an injury or disease.

·        Neurovascular function – An erection cannot occur if the nerves do not signal the blood vessels to push blood into the penis. This can be as a result of certain medications, diseases like diabetes, arteriosclerosis etc.

·        Psychological factors – feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety or stress can be contributing factors to as much as 15% of all erectile dysfunction cases.

Correcting erectile dysfunction involves adjusting to healthier diets, exercising more, switching medications if you are on some doctor’s prescription and avoiding habits like smoking, drinking and the use of recreational drugs.

2.    Abnormal/Low Sperm Production

This may be due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems such as diabetes, or infections such as Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mumps or HIV. Enlarged veins in the testes (varicocele) can also affect the quality of sperm produced by the man.

3.     Overexposure to certain environmental factors such as pesticides and other chemicals, and radiation.

4.     Unhealthy lifestyle like cigarette smoking, alcohol and marijuana abuse, use of anabolic steroids and other drugs. Frequent exposure to heat in saunas and hot baths can raise body temperature and adversely affect sperm production.

5.     Damage related to cancer and its treatment including radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment for cancer can impair sperm production, sometimes severely.

Risk factors

·         Age. Men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men.

·         Tobacco use. Smoking tobacco or marijuana by either partner may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Smoking also reduces the possible effectiveness of fertility treatment. Smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and a low sperm count in men.

·         Alcohol use. Alcohol use may contribute to infertility. For men, heavy alcohol use can decrease sperm count and motility.

·         Being overweight. Excess body weight is indicated as a possible cause of low sperm count in men.

 

Suggested Measures to Prevent Infertility in Men

·         Avoid drug and tobacco use and drinking too much alcohol, which may contribute to male infertility.

·         Avoid high temperatures found in saunas and hot tubs, as they can temporarily affect sperm production and motility.

·         Avoid exposure to industrial or environmental toxins, which can affect sperm production.

·         Limit medications that may impact fertility, both prescription and non-prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly, but don't stop taking prescription medications without medical advice.

·         Exercise moderately. Regular exercise may improve sperm quality and increase the chances for achieving a pregnancy.

·         Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Healthy and balanced diets play a great role in improving sperm count, quality and motility. Avoid greasy and fried foods, sweetened beverages, cookies, cakes etc that may lead to obesity.