Male infertility is a condition that affects millions of couples worldwide, causing difficulties in conceiving a child. While infertility is often associated with women, it is important to recognize that male factors contribute to approximately 40% of all infertility cases. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes of male infertility, explore preventive measures, and shed light on the available treatment options.
Causes of Male Infertility:
Low sperm count:
A low sperm count (oligospermia) or absence of sperm (azoospermia) can significantly affect fertility. This may be caused due to various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, or testicular disorders.
Abnormal sperm morphology:
Ability to fertilise an egg depends on the shape and structure of sperm. If a high percentage of sperm have abnormal shape or structure, it can lead to difficulties in conception.
Poor sperm motility (movement):
Sperm should move effectively to reach and penetrate the egg for fertilization. Reduced sperm motility (asthenospermia) can greatly affect the chances of fertilization.
Erectile dysfunction:
Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection can make it challenging to engage in sexual intercourse and lead to infertility.
Varicocele:
Varicocele causes enlargement of veins within the scrotum. This can increase testicular temperature and impair sperm production.
Prevention of Male Infertility:
While some causes of male infertility are beyond our control, there are certain preventive measures that can help improve fertility potential.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use, managing stress levels and exercising regularly can improve overall reproductive health.
Learn about harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause infertility. Some of the chemicals you should avoid are pesticides, plastic packaged foods, heavy metals, cleaning products and solvents. Minimize exposure to these toxins in the workplace and environment.
Avoid activities that may increase the temperature of testicles, such as hot baths, saunas, and prolonged use of laptops placed on the lap. Opt for loose-fitting underwear to promote better testicular temperature regulation.
Obesity has been linked to hormonal imbalances and decreased sperm quality. Manage your weight to improve your fertility.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility:
Most cases of male infertility can be treated successfully. The treatment options available are:
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are two commonly employed ART procedures. IVF involves the fusion of eggs and sperm in a controlled laboratory environment, while ICSI injects a single sperm directly into an egg.
Medications and Hormone Therapy:
Medications can be used to cure specific causes of male infertility. Depending on the underlying factors, healthcare professionals may prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate sperm production or rectify hormonal imbalances, to improve the chances of successful conception.
Surgery:
In cases where obstructions or structural abnormalities hinder the transportation of sperm, surgical procedures can be recommended. These surgeries aim to restore the natural flow, enabling sperm to travel unhindered and increasing the likelihood of achieving pregnancy.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Making positive changes by embracing a healthy and balanced lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, adopting a nutrient-rich diet, and managing stress levels effectively, can nurture your reproductive health and improve your chances of conceiving.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques:
If you are facing low sperm count or absence of sperm in your ejaculate, there is still hope. Advanced techniques such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) offer alternative ways to obtain viable sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis, bypassing obstructions.
Remember, each case of male infertility is unique, and the most suitable treatment option will depend on your individual circumstances. Consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare professional specializing in reproductive medicine is essential to determine the most effective course of action. With a range of cutting-edge technologies and tailored interventions Zymus Hospital makes the journey towards overcoming male infertility filled with hope and possibilities.
If conception is eluding you, the experts at Zymus Hospital can help you achieve it.
