Male infertility is a widespread issue that impacts many individuals. The path to conception is intricate, and various factors can create barriers. However, even if a man faces infertility challenges, options exist to help couples achieve a biological pregnancy. There are medical treatments that may significantly enhance the likelihood of successful conception.
Overview
Discover the leading factors that contribute to infertility in men.
Understanding male infertility
Infertility affects both genders, but male infertility specifically refers to a man’s inability to cause pregnancy due to issues within his reproductive system.
What does male infertility mean?
When a man is infertile, it typically means he and his partner have engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse for over 12 months without achieving pregnancy.
How frequently does male infertility occur?
Globally, approximately 186 million people experience infertility, with male-related causes accounting for about 50% of these cases. In the United States, it’s estimated that 10% to 15% of men attempting to conceive face infertility challenges.
Is it easy to get pregnant?
Achieving pregnancy is often more difficult than many expect. Human beings are considered to have relatively low reproductive efficiency. Even in healthy, young couples, the monthly probability of conception without fertility assistance is just 20% to 25%.
Fertility relies on several critical biological processes involving both partners, such as:
- Creating viable sperm in males and a healthy egg in females.
- Ensuring the fallopian tubes are open, allowing sperm to reach the egg.
- The sperm’s capacity to penetrate and fertilize the egg.
- Successful implantation of the resulting embryo into the uterus.
To sustain a pregnancy through its full term—typically 39 to 40 weeks—the embryo must be healthy, and the woman’s hormonal conditions must be conducive to fetal development. Any disruption in one of these steps can result in infertility.
Symptoms and Causes
Indicators of compromised sperm health
The most apparent indication of male infertility is the inability to father a child. Additionally, infertility can trigger psychological and emotional effects such as:
If you or your partner are experiencing emotional distress due to infertility, seeking guidance from a mental health professional can be beneficial.
In certain cases, male infertility stems from reduced testosterone levels in the testes. This hormonal imbalance may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, mood disturbances, weight fluctuations, and lack of motivation. Consulting a urologist or a fertility specialist can provide clarity and support in these situations.
What leads to infertility in men?
Numerous physical, genetic, and environmental influences can disrupt male fertility, including:
- Sperm abnormalities such as irregular shape, low count (oligospermia), or absence from semen (azoospermia).
- Inherited conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or myotonic dystrophy.
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases that attack sperm, and cystic fibrosis.
- Infections of the reproductive system like epididymitis, orchitis, or STIs such as gonorrhea and HIV.
- Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the testicles.
- Exposure to cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, or testicle removal (orchiectomy).
- Physical injuries to the testicles.
- Hormonal issues affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Who is at risk for male infertility?
Infertility can affect any man, but the risk is higher among those who:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 25, indicating overweight or obesity.
- Are aged 40 or above.
- Have undergone radiation exposure.
- Are regularly exposed to harmful substances like lead, mercury, pesticides, or calcium-based toxins.
- Use tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol.
- Are prescribed medications such as flutamide, spironolactone, or bicalutamide.
- Frequently experience elevated testicular temperatures due to hot tubs, saunas, or wheelchair use.
- Have a past of undescended testicles.
- Previously suffered from varicoceles.
- Are taking testosterone supplements for low levels of the hormone.
- Use anabolic steroids or hormone-containing supplements aimed at increasing muscle mass.
Should semen be thick or thin?
Semen, the fluid discharged during ejaculation, is typically milky-white and viscous. It not only carries sperm but also contains vital nutrients and substances that aid sperm survival and transport.
Normally, semen has a thick consistency. If it appears watery or thin, this could point to a low sperm count, which might be a contributing factor to male infertility.
