After trying severally to conceive for a year or longer and still proving unsuccessful, it may mean possible infertility. Infertility is not limited to females, and men, too, can have instances when they cannot effectively produce sperm responsible for fertilizing an egg, leading to pregnancy. Nidhee M. Sachdev MD, is an infertility physician who can help with male infertility. She can recommend different fertility treatment options, depending on the cause of male infertility. Most causes of male infertility are reversible and can help increase sperm production. Before treatment, you can learn about a few reasons for experiencing infertility.
Varicocele
Your scrotum contains veins responsible for transporting oxygen-depleted blood from your testicles. The veins may enlarge from blood pooling instead of circulating out of your scrotum. As a result, you will likely experience pain and discomfort, but usually, it causes no symptoms. Over time, a varicocele may lead to poor testicular development and low sperm production, which may cause infertility.
Infections
An infection that interferes with your sperm production and health may result in infertility. Infections may cause a scar that blocks sperm passage, and they include epididymitis, inflammation of the testicles, and sexually transmitted infections. While some infections may cause permanent testicle damage, it is still possible to retrieve some sperm and use it for conception.
Tumors
Cancerous tumors may directly affect your reproductive organs by affecting glands responsible for releasing reproduction hormones, such as the pituitary gland. Thus, you may experience male infertility. You can undergo surgery to treat such tumors and reverse infertility.
Tubular Defects
Your reproductive system has several tubes responsible for carrying sperm. The tubes may have a blockage from injury during surgery, abnormal development, infections, and trauma. Such blockages may happen within your testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, or urethra, resulting in male infertility.
Specific Medications
Certain medications like chemotherapy, long-term steroid use, testosterone replacement therapy, and other medications can interfere with sperm production. There are also arthritis and ulcer drugs that may impair sperm production, thus reducing male fertility.
Environmental Factors
Overexposing yourself to toxins, chemicals, and heat may also play a role in reducing male fertility. They may include industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and radiation exposure. Additionally, increased temperatures, like those in saunas and hot tubs, may impair sperm count and lead to infertility.
Lifestyle Causes
First, drugs stimulating muscle growth and strength may shrink the testicles and cause reduced sperm production. Also, marijuana and cocaine use can cause a temporary reduction in sperm count and quality, leading to infertility. Secondly, alcohol consumption can reduce testosterone levels, erection, and sperm production. Excessive alcohol intake, on the other hand, may cause infertility. Lastly, being overweight may directly impact the sperm and cause hormonal changes that interfere with male fertility.
Infertility can be frustrating, especially if you have tried hard to conceive but failed every attempt. Male fertility means that your system should produce healthy sperm. Therefore, one testicle should function, and there must be enough sperm in the semen. Lastly, sperm should be able to move normally to reach an egg. Therefore, anything that hinders such normal functioning may cause infertility. You can consult a doctor to find out what is causing your infertility and how to treat it.
