MALE INFERTILITY

Male infertility is a condition in which a man has difficulty impregnating his partner due to issues with sperm production, function, or delivery. It is a common reproductive health concern, affecting about 7% of men worldwide and contributing to nearly half of all infertility cases in couples. Infertility in men can result from genetic, medical, lifestyle, or environmental factors, and addressing these issues is essential for improving reproductive outcomes. While some men may experience temporary infertility due to lifestyle habits or underlying health conditions, others may face permanent reproductive challenges requiring medical intervention.

Causes of Male Infertility

• Hormonal Imbalances – Low testosterone or issues with the pituitary gland can lead to poor sperm production.
• Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum can raise testicular temperature, reducing sperm count and quality.
• Genetic Disorders – Conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions can affect sperm production.
• Infections & Inflammation – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostatitis, or epididymitis can damage the reproductive system.
• Ejaculatory Disorders – Retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis) or erectile dysfunction can prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
• Obstruction of Sperm Transport – Blockages in the vas deferens (sperm ducts) can prevent sperm from being released.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

• Difficulty conceiving despite regular, unprotected intercourse
• Low sperm count or poor sperm motility (determined through semen analysis)
• Hormonal imbalance symptoms, such as fatigue or loss of muscle mass
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Erectile dysfunction or low libido

Precautions & Treatment

• Medical Evaluation – A semen analysis, hormonal tests, and genetic screenings can help diagnose the cause of infertility.
• Lifestyle Modifications – Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, reducing stress, and exercising regularly can improve sperm quality.
• Medications & Hormonal Therapy – Treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy, gonadotropins, or antibiotics (for infections) may help improve fertility.
• Surgical Interventions – Procedures such as varicocele repair, vasectomy reversal, or sperm retrieval techniques (e.g., TESE, MESA) can restore fertility.
• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) – Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help couples conceive if natural conception is not possible.