Male Infertility Issues: Causes And Symptoms

August 28th, 2024 by Aaron Spitz

Male infertility is a deep blow to the dreams of couples who want to have children. It means the inability of a man to conceive a child with his woman after one year of unprotected intercourse. Though it is a sensitive topic, understanding male infertility is very critical for those facing these challenges.
The focus of this article will be on male infertility symptoms, causes, risk factors of the problem, and treatment options while throwing some light on reality and the commonality of the condition.

What is Male Infertility and How Common Is It?

Male infertility is a medical condition that may either be the main reason or one of the reasons for about 40–50% of all infertile cases between couples. This basically translates to a serious situation affecting millions of males around the world. Several studies indicate 7% of the entire male population is infertile. They cannot have a baby with their partner even after trying for about a year or even more to conceive. Infertility in men may result from underlying health problems, lifestyle, or the environment to a very large extent.

Understanding Male Infertility: What Does It Mean?

Infertility in men occurs when the body is unable to produce healthy sperm or when sperm cannot fertilize an egg. Common causes of male infertility include poor sperm quality, low sperm count, and issues with sperm motility. Additionally, male infertility can result from anatomical problems, such as blockages in the epididymis, which can prevent sperm from being ejaculated.

Recognizing Male Infertility Symptoms

Male infertility symptoms are not that obvious, most of the time remaining unnoticed until a couple faces problems with conception. There are, however, some signs that may indicate a problem with male fertility:

• Difficulty conceiving a child: This is the most obvious symptom and usually the first sign that something may be wrong.
• Problems with sexual function: Some men may experience problems related to ejaculation, sexual drive, or erectile dysfunction.
• Pain, swelling, or a lump in testicles: These are some symptoms that may appear if there is an underlying problem like a varicocele or infection that may have a role in causing infertility.
• Abnormal breast growth (Gynecomastia): Hormonal imbalances affecting fertility may also lead to breast enlargement in males.
• Decreased facial or body hair: This can be an indication of hormonal problems and, hence may affect fertility.
• Low sperm count: This is not apparent and thus requires sperm analysis.

If you experience any of these male infertility symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor.

The Main Male Infertility Causes

The causes of male infertility range from genetic conditions to lifestyle choices. Knowing what might cause these problems may help choose the right treatment. These include:
1. Varicoceles: A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds the testicles. The swelling can raise the temperature around the testicles and can thus affect sperm quality. Varicoceles are present in about 15% of all men and 30–35% of men who are infertile.
2. Infections: Certain infections can impact sperm production or sperm health. These include sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or HIV, as well as infections that cause inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or the testes (orchitis).
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal issues may also cause male infertility and relate to problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Lastly, low testosterone levels—hypogonadism—may impact sperm production.
4. Lifestyle Issues: Obesity, excessive drinking, smoking, drug use, and exposure to environmental toxic substances like pesticides and heavy metals all work to the detriment of sperm count and general fertility.
5. Ejaculation Disorders: Retrograde ejaculation is when semen enters the bladder rather than being ejaculated out of the penis. Conditions that cause it are, most notably, diabetes, damage to the spine, or surgery.
6. Some Medications: A few medications will interfere either with the production of sperm or its function. These include anabolic steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antibiotics or antidepressants.

Male Infertility Risk Factors: Who Should Be More Careful?

Male infertility is a serious issue that can be influenced by various factors. Age, weight, lifestyle choices, stress, environmental exposure, and heat exposure are all significant risk factors. Age, particularly after 40, can lead to decreased sperm quality. Weight, obesity, and lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to reduced sperm quality and quantity. Stress can interfere with hormone production, while environmental exposure can lead to decreased sperm production. Heat exposure can also impair sperm production. To reduce the likelihood of infertility, men should focus on their reproductive health and make lifestyle changes that can improve fertility.

Conclusion

Male infertility is a complex condition with various symptoms, causes, and risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly help overcome infertility challenges and help couples start families. Orange County Urology Associates, healthcare professionals, understand the emotional and physical impact of male infertility and offer compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments. Schedule a consultation with our experienced specialists to take the first step towards expanding your family.