Male infertility is a common condition among many males. The process of conception is complicated, and there are many obstacles. Fortunately, male infertility does not necessarily mean that you and your partner will not be able to conceive a biological child. Certain therapies like HCG Injections for infertility treatment can increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
Males and females can both be affected by infertility. In particular, male infertility is a disorder that affects men. It prevents their reproductive system from successfully conceiving a female.
Many types of male infertility can be cured thanks to advancements in medical science, despite the fact that the causes might vary greatly, ranging from hereditary disorders and hormonal imbalances to lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.
In this article, we will address the most common causes of men infertility and offer helpful remedies to assist couples in achieving their dream of parenthood.
The inability of a male to make sperm or to produce healthy sperm capable of fertilizing a female egg is known as male infertility. The inability of a couple to conceive after a year of regular, non-contraceptive sexual activity is known as infertility. Forty percent of infertile couples have male infertility as a contributing issue.
In the early phases of fertility treatment, testing for male infertility is done concurrently with testing for the female partner.
According to studies, 10% of couples still have not conceived after two years, while 15% of couples are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Between 20% and 37% of typically healthy couples under 30 are able to conceive within the first three months.
Male partners are responsible for approximately half of the 186 million cases of infertility that occur globally. According to some research regarding male infertility, between 10% and 15% of American men who are trying to conceive suffer from male infertility.
If you have been trying for a child with your partner (if you have one) for more than a year, you might want to see your general practitioner.
Inquiries from your doctor will include how long you and your spouse have been trying for a child and whether you have experienced any issues with sex. Your medical history and way of life may be questioned, including whether you:
Your doctor might request a checkup and some tests as follows:
During initial tests they will determine whether you're creating enough healthy sperm by taking a sample of semen for a sperm analysis test. It may be possible to obtain a sample at home or in a clinic. At least two days but no more than seven days must pass after your last ejaculation in order for you to get the sample (by masturbation). Several tests will be performed on your semen, including:
Should this exam reveal any issues, you will need to retake it around three months later. Your general practitioner can recommend that you see a fertility expert if the results of the second test reflect a problem with your sperm. Blood tests may be arranged by your doctor if you are unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual activity. They will look for:
A fertility professional may advise additional testing and research if your sperm count is poor. You might require:
You can still pursue treatments even if your doctor is unable to pinpoint the exact cause of your infertility.
Male infertility can be diagnosed by a PCP. They might also suggest that you see a reproductive endocrinologist or a urologist who focuses on male infertility.
A PCP will do a thorough physical examination to assess your general health and spot any physical issues that can compromise your ability to conceive. Inquiries concerning your sexual preferences and medical background may also be made of you and your partner, including:
If there is no obvious cause for male factor infertility based on the physical examination and study of your medical history, the provider may order tests.
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is quite prevalent, especially in males over 40. Usually there's nothing to be concerned about, but if it persists, consult a doctor.
When you have erectile dysfunction, you are either
You may occasionally also experience decreased libido, or sex drive.
Male ejaculation problems are frequent sexual issues. There are three primary categories of ejaculation issues:
If you have a persistent problem with ejaculation, consult your general practitioner (GP). They will talk to you about it, examine you, or recommend a specialist.
Numerous reasons might contribute to low libido, often known as poor sex drive. Your sex drive should rise as a result of treating the reason.
The following are some of the primary reasons for reduced sex drive:
Your sex drive may also be impacted by certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or an underactive thyroid.
Most testicular swellings and lumps are the result of benign (non-cancerous) diseases. Most of them might not require medical attention. Varicoceles, which are soft lumps that progressively form above the testicle and on the left side of the scrotum, may be the reason for your testicular swellings and lumps.
Sperm count is directly correlated with testicular volume, a measure of testicle size. Accordingly, smaller testicles typically generate less sperm. Smaller-than-normal testicles, or low testicular volume, are present in up to 25% of young males between the ages of 18 and 19.
The genetic condition Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) may be indicated by a loss of face or body hair, particularly in the pubic area. A genetic disorder Preventing sperm production is one effect of KS that might result in infertility. The NIH website provides additional information about Klinefelter syndrome.
Gynecomastia, or male breast growth, usually does not directly cause infertility. However, the hormonal irregularities that can lead to gynecomastia, including an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, may also be linked to other issues that may affect fertility. Therefore, even though gynecomastia does not necessarily mean infertility, it is important to investigate the underlying male infertility causes of the hormone imbalance if fertility is a problem.
For both men and women, a history of genitourinary infections can have a major effect on fertility. Sperm quality, accessory gland function, and even immunological responses that impede reproduction can all be impacted by infections.
In particular, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women can result from infections such as bacterial vaginosis, STIs, and UTIs.
This condition may cause tubal obstruction and ectopic pregnancy. In addition to causing inflammation and scarring that obstructs the reproductive canal, infections in men can affect sperm production, motility, and function.
Similar to varicose veins in the legs, a varicocele is a disorder in which the veins in the scrotum, the skin sac that contains the testicles, expand and dilate. It can impact male factor fertility and is a prevalent cause of scrotal edema. Some varicoceles might cause pain, discomfort, or testicular atrophy (shrinking), although the majority are asymptomatic.
About one in six couples experience infertility, which is the inability to conceive after a year of consistent, unprotected sexual activity. Ovulation disorders, fallopian tube disorders, endometriosis, PCOS, and uterine problems are among the causes.
Male factors include blockages, low sperm count, and poor sperm movement. Age, lifestyle, stress, and specific medical conditions are additional factors. A fertility specialist can help determine the cause and suggest suitable treatment options if a couple has been trying to conceive for a year or six months without success.
Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome, varicocele, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits are among the most well-known causes of infertility in men. Infections and exposure to toxins also play a major role.
Interestingly, new research is exploring advanced options such as stem cells and infertility treatment, which may hold promise for men with severe sperm production issues in the future.
Compared to nonsmokers, women who smoke have lower fertility rates. Smokers, both male and female, have infertility rates that are roughly double those of nonsmokers. The more cigarettes smoked on a daily basis, the higher the chance of having reproductive issues.
Smoking and infertility could have a direct relationship, something that cannot be completely reversed by reproductive therapies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). When it comes to IVF, female smokers may need more ovary-stimulating drugs, have fewer eggs at retrieval time, and have 30% lower pregnancy rates than nonsmoking women.
Smokers have a higher risk of miscarriages and birth defects in their progeny because smoking affects the genetic material in eggs and sperm. Smokeless tobacco also raises the risk of miscarriage, and vaping, or using e-cigarettes, can harm both the unborn child and the pregnant woman.
Compared to mothers who do not smoke, women who smoke have a higher chance of becoming pregnant with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Additionally, female smokers are more likely to experience ectopic pregnancies and preterm delivery.
When your blood levels of prolactin are high, you have hyperprolactinemia. A hormone called prolactin is in charge of lactation and the growth of breast tissue.
It is not life-threatening to have hyperprolactinemia. However, it can result in infertility and other problems that can affect your quality of life. It is curable, which is good news. The number of cases of hyperprolactinemia is higher in women than in males, and it affects less than 1% of the general population.
Any of the following male infertility symptoms can be caused by hyperprolactinemia: infertility;
low libido; low bone mass (osteopenia); and galactorrhea, or milky discharge from the nipples when not pregnant or nursing.
Common symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in women include irregular or nonexistent periods and pain during penetrative sex because of vaginal dryness, and in men, erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone levels, and enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia).
Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by a number of conditions and factors, such as:
Sometimes medical professionals are unable to identify the cause. This condition is referred to as idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Usually, it disappears on its own after a few months
When someone who was assigned male at birth has an extra copy of the X sex chromosome instead of the normal XY, it's known as Klinefelter syndrome. It is a prenatal genetic condition that frequently goes undiagnosed until adulthood.
In addition to excess breast tissue, less body and facial hair, and less muscular mass, the disease may result in smaller testicles, which could result in less testosterone being generated.
The symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome might differ greatly from person to person. Although most Klinefelter syndrome sufferers produce little to no sperm, some may be able to conceive biological children through assisted reproductive techniques.
While the occasional glass of wine may, in fact, be helpful, going above the advised limits can result in infertility. The usage of alcohol is directly associated with infertility in women. Numerous studies now demonstrate that drinking even one drink per day might reduce fertility.
You have an even lower likelihood of getting pregnant if you drink more than ten drinks a week. If one or both of your partners drink excessively, your chances of becoming infertile triple, not to mention the numerous health issues you could face.
The effects of alcohol on fertility are astounding if you fit into this category. The important thing is to know how much is too much. The long-term consequences of alcohol consumption and female infertility go far beyond merely cutting back for a few days.
Remember that drinking alcohol affects more than only female fertility. Male sperm quality and quantity, as well as testosterone levels, can be considerably reduced by excessive alcohol consumption.
It may also result in impotence and a decrease in desire. It may be difficult for you to conceive if your partner drinks excessively. However, alcohol's negative effects can be swiftly reversed by cutting back on or quitting drinking.
One of the most frequent reasons for male fertility problems is varicocele. The question of why, when, and to whom varicocelectomy should be performed is also one of the most contentious in the field of andrology.
Although there are no widely recognized standards, many specialists feel that varicocele should only be surgically repaired in a carefully chosen group of infertile men. The age of the female spouse is now the sole known predictor of success in achieving pregnancy following varicocelectomy.
Modern research methodologies should compare the advantages of varicocelectomy with ICSI, taking into account both the methods' cost-effectiveness and efficacy, given the widespread use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in recent years.
Male factor infertility may arise from retrograde ejaculation (RE), which is characterized by the backward flow of semen during ejaculation. Ejaculate can be either completely absent (dry ejaculate) or have a limited seminal volume because of partial or total RE.
A pharmacological, neurological, or anatomical disorder may cause RE. The reason dictates the suggested therapy modalities. Sperm viability may be maintained by placing sperm wash media in the bladder before ejaculation or by alkalinizing the pH of the urine using oral medicines. This article offers a detailed guide to diagnosing RE and the best methods for sperm recovery.
Using cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, and other recreational substances can lower a person's chances of becoming pregnant, regardless of gender. Long-term use of recreational drugs can result in male fertility problems and other long-term reproductive issues.
Using drugs recreationally during pregnancy might also have major negative effects. Every medication enters the bloodstream. Some have a direct impact on eggs or sperm and lower fertility. Some cross the mother's placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream directly, which may harm the infant's health.
Heavy cannabis usage in women can alter their hormones, affecting ovulation and decreasing the likelihood of getting pregnant.
Other legal substances that can cause issues include opiate medications (prescription or not) and diazepam (Valium). It's crucial to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you take if you're trying to conceive.
When anabolic steroids are used for bodybuilding or competitive sports, the testes atrophy and sperm production is stopped.
If you plan to have children, you should be aware that it often takes two years for sperm to return to normal after using steroids.
Cocaine, heroin, and cannabis are among the other drugs that might impact a man's fertility because they reduce testosterone levels and libido, or sex drive. There is evidence that cannabis affects sperm motility, or the capacity of sperm to "swim," sperm count, and semen production. These factors all lessen the likelihood that sperm will fertilize an egg.
Defects in sperm release and in the quantity or quality of sperm produced are examples of sperm disorders. Semen analysis and genetic tests are used to make the infertility diagnosis. Usually, intracytoplasmic sperm injection in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most successful treatment.
The man should always be checked for sperm abnormalities when a couple is having trouble conceiving. The physical examination and history are focused on potential causes, including genitourinary disorders. It is necessary to measure the volume of each testis; the typical range is 20 to 25 mL. Analysis of semen is necessary.
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection that is sufficiently firm for sexual engagement. Of course, periodically experiencing difficulties getting an erection is not always a reason for alarm.
However, persistent erectile dysfunction can lead to stress, interfere with self-esteem, and make relationships more difficult. An erection that is difficult to achieve or maintain may indicate a medical problem that requires treatment or be a risk factor for heart disease.
Chronic male infertility symptoms that frequently worsen over time are what characterize erectile dysfunction. It's normal to occasionally experience erection difficulties. Over time, chronic erectile dysfunction symptoms often get worse. They might include:
Unhealthy sperm can be identified by irregular morphology (form), low sperm count, and poor motility (movement). Moreover, fluctuations in the quantity, consistency, or color of the semen—such as yellowish or greenish semen—or the presence of blood may indicate potential issues. Additional symptoms include testicular pain or swelling, changes in face or body hair, and difficulties conceiving.
Specific signs of unhealthy sperm:
Additional possible symptoms include dilated testicular veins, decreased libido, testicular discomfort or swelling, erectile dysfunction, and pain during or after intercourse.
Treatment options for male infertility include medication, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and lifestyle changes, depending on the underlying cause.
Common approaches to tackling infertility in the future include surgically correcting varicoceles or clogged ducts, using hormone therapy to address imbalances, and performing procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Sperm sampling for IVF may be beneficial for those with low sperm production or poor sperm quality. Sperm can be acquired through testicular biopsy, natural ejaculation, or other aided ways to guarantee that viable sperm are used in the fertilization process.
Couples who are having trouble conceiving might think about sperm donation in Iran, where moral standards and legal obligations are strictly adhered to. Since different legal systems can significantly affect a couple's treatment options, it is also essential to understand sperm donation laws by country.
Many factors, such as lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders like varicocele and Klinefelter syndrome, alcoholism, and tobacco use, can contribute to male infertility.
IVF male infertility with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is one popular and successful treatment for male infertility. One sperm is directly inserted into an egg in a lab, overcoming the challenges of natural fertilization. Thanks to this treatment, couples with severe male factor infertility—such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility—can still become parents.
You may also want to learn more about IVF in Iran.
Surgery may be a good choice for some male fertility problems. This often entails operations to unblock blockages, fix anatomical problems, or extract sperm straight from the testicles. Surgical techniques to relieve obstructions of the ejaculatory or epididymal tubes, vasectomy reversal, and varicocele repair are common.
Microsurgical Extraction of Testicular Sperm is a procedure that can be the only chance for men who have significant sperm production deficiencies to have a biological child. General anesthesia or sedation is used during MicroTESE procedures.
Adults and children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are treated with home injections of synthetic growth hormone (recombinant human growth hormone). Most of the time, people with GHD require a daily dose.
Treatment with synthetic growth hormone is long-term and frequently lasts for several years. To ensure that the therapy is effective and to determine whether you need to change your drug dosage, it is imperative that you see your doctor on a frequent basis.
Treatment will also be necessary to address any pituitary hormone deficits that you or your child may have.
Male fertility problems can be treated by artificial insemination, especially intrauterine insemination, or IUI, if sperm motility or count is only slightly poor. In IUI, sperm are harvested, cleaned to extract healthy, motile sperm, and then delivered straight into the uterus without going through the cervix. This procedure brings the sperm closer to the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
Another method for male infertility treatment is assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
In cases where sperm quality or quantity is compromised, these methods seek to overcome obstacles to fertilization. IVF male infertility entails fertilization in a lab, whereas IUI requires inserting prepared sperm into the uterus. In the specialized IVF procedure known as ICSI, a single sperm is injected straight into an egg.
Read about: “Is Sperm Donation Halal?”
You should start examining your lifestyle choices after ruling out all known underlying medical issues that can lead to infertility. Male fertility can be significantly impacted by lifestyle changes, particularly those related to diet, exercise, and stress reduction. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can increase the quality of sperm and possibly increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant.
Antibiotics can sometimes be used to treat male infertility, although their effectiveness varies based on the underlying cause. Infertility caused by infections may benefit from the use of antibiotics, particularly when treating conditions like prostatitis or epididymitis. However, using antibiotics indiscriminately for every case of male infertility is not recommended.
Frequent, moderate exercise can enhance sperm quality and reproductive health, which in turn can improve male fertility. In comparison to those who are sedentary, males who regularly exercise are said to have better motility, more sperm, and better morphology. Excessive or intense exercise, however, may have negative consequences.
Reducing or quitting alcohol is advised for men who want to increase their fertility. Research indicates that excessive drinking can have a detrimental effect on sperm health, including morphology, motility, and count, but even moderate drinking may have some consequences. Overall reproductive health and sperm parameters can be improved by cutting back on or giving up alcohol.
Maybe it could. The majority of male reproductive issues need to be treated; however, some may go away on their own. Changes in lifestyle, like exercising, controlling weight, and avoiding drugs and chemicals, might occasionally increase fertility. In many situations, treating the underlying cause of infertility may require medical or surgical procedures.
Male infertility is a challenging but frequently treatable illness. Present-day medical advancements such as ICSI, IVF, surgery, hormonal therapy, and lifestyle modifications have helped many couples overcome infertility issues. With early diagnosis, professional medical counsel, and the right treatment plan, the chances of becoming a parent can be significantly raised.
TebMedTourism, one of the best medical tourism companies in Iran, is committed to helping couples access advanced, affordable, and highly successful infertility treatment in Iran and many other countries around the world. From your initial free consultation to holding your baby in your arms, TebMedTourism guarantees a seamless, stress-free experience with top fertility specialists, cutting-edge clinics, and a committed multilingual support staff.
Ten to fifteen percent of men who are trying to conceive suffer with male infertility, which makes up around half of all cases of infertility worldwide.
Healthy semen typically liquefies in about 30 minutes after first being slightly thick and whitish-gray. Consistency alone is not a reliable indicator of sperm health; motility, count, and shape are more crucial.
Yes, even if not all reasons can be prevented, avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol use, recreational drug use, obesity, and pollution exposure can help reduce the risk.
Limit processed foods, fizzy drinks, alcohol, and foods that contain trans fats. Steer away of smoking, recreational drugs, and too much coffee.
A lab or clinic can do a semen analysis to determine the motility, shape, and number of sperm. This is the most precise method of evaluating the health of sperm.
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