Male Infertility
What is Male Infertility?
After a year of frequent unprotected sexual intercourse, a couple is considered infertile if they have not been able to conceive. When the female spouse is known to be fertile, male infertility is utilised to categories infertility.
How common is male infertility?
In Australia it is believed that 8-9% of males and rougly 15% of couples suffer from infertility. It is widely acknowledged that infertile couple should:
- Male infertility is the sole cause of infertility alone is the cause
- Female infertility is the root of around 1in 3 of all cases
- Both male and female factors are implicated in more than 1in 3 of cases
We don’t know the actual prevalence of male infertility or the proportion of couples’ infertility related to the male partner because the numbers above are based on historical data.
We do know that roughly half of couples who don’t get pregnant after a year of trying naturally become pregnant the following year, and about 1 in 7 do the year after that.
We do know that roughly half of couples who don’t get pregnant after a year of trying naturally become pregnant the following year, and about 1 in 7 do the year after that.
Male infertility causes
Problems with spermatogenesis are the most common cause of male infertility. This could be caused by hormonal issues, poor testicular function, or obstructions in the male urogenital system.
The following factors can limit sperm production in the testicles:
- Genetic Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome
- Varicocele
- Testicular inflammation or injury
- Severe illness
- Undescended testes
- Abnormal hormonal function caused by genetics, infection, a cancerous or non-cancerous tumour, or surgery
- Testosterone therapy
- Anabolic steroid misuse or abuse
- Opiate use
- Obesity
The following factors can affect sperm function:
- Genetic variables
- Age
- Infection or inflammation in the urogenital tract, which can be caused by sexually transmitted bacteria like chlamydia or other germs, can all affect sperm performance.
The transport of sperm can be hampered by abnormalities that result in some portions of the male reproductive system not developing at all, such as in individuals with congenital bilateral lack of the vas deferens. Other men’s reproductive systems may be blocked due to scarring or an accident during surgery, or for unexplained causes.
Male infertility can be caused by issues with ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Alcohol and cigarette usage, as well as partaking in high-intensity sports or activities that may expose your testicles to high temperatures, can all contribute to infertility (like saunas or occupational exposures).
Male infertility can be caused by issues with ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Alcohol and cigarette usage, as well as partaking in high-intensity sports or activities that may expose your testicles to high temperatures, can all contribute to infertility (like saunas or occupational exposures).
Diagnosis of male infertility:
Your doctor will most likely order a semen analysis or a blood test to assess your hormone levels in order to figure out what’s causing your infertility. They may order an ultrasound to examine the structure of your testicles and other scrotal contents, or they may order an infection test. A testicular biopsy may be required in some circumstances for diagnosis.
Male infertility treatment:
The treatment for male infertility is determined by the cause.
If your infertility is due to a change in your lifestyle, your doctor can help you make the necessary changes. They can also identify alternate treatments if medication for a medical problem is contributing to your infertility.
In order to cure your infertility, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy or other drugs.
If varicocele or blockages of the urogenital tract are the cause of your infertility, surgical procedures can be performed.
If your infertility treatment fails, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) might be able to help you and your partner conceive.
If your infertility is due to a change in your lifestyle, your doctor can help you make the necessary changes. They can also identify alternate treatments if medication for a medical problem is contributing to your infertility.
In order to cure your infertility, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy or other drugs.
If varicocele or blockages of the urogenital tract are the cause of your infertility, surgical procedures can be performed.
If your infertility treatment fails, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) might be able to help you and your partner conceive.
Health effects of male infertility:
Male infertility has a negative impact on one’s health. Male infertility is linked to testicular cancer as well as poor health caused by a variety of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. These links do not imply that every infertile guy will get disease or die early, but they are a reminder to take care of yourself and seek medical advice if you have any health issues.
If you and your spouse have been trying to conceive for a year or longer and still haven’t succeeded, you should both see a doctor (s). You could still be able to conceive naturally, but it’s preferable to start looking into it sooner rather than later. Fertility declines with ageing in both men and women.
Fertility issues cause a lot of stress for both spouses, so consult with doctor about couple’s counseling so you and your partner can support each other the best you can.
Some fertility clinics are more focused on women than on couples; however both partners fertility should be checked from the start.
If you and your spouse have been trying to conceive for a year or longer and still haven’t succeeded, you should both see a doctor (s). You could still be able to conceive naturally, but it’s preferable to start looking into it sooner rather than later. Fertility declines with ageing in both men and women.
Fertility issues cause a lot of stress for both spouses, so consult with doctor about couple’s counseling so you and your partner can support each other the best you can.
Some fertility clinics are more focused on women than on couples; however both partners fertility should be checked from the start.