What is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to a situation where a couple has been unable to conceive for at least two years despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, with the male contributing to the issue.
What are the Common Causes of Male Infertility?
Male Infertility causes include:
- Previous surgeries: Surgeries such as vasectomy or those on the prostate or testicles can impair the sperm’s ability to reach the female body.
- Varicocele: Swollen veins in the testicle can affect sperm quantity and quality.
- Undescended testicles: Failure of one or both testicles to descend during childhood can lead to decreased fertility.
- Defects in sperm transport tubules (vas deferens): Blockages in the tubes that carry sperm from the testis to the penis can arise from surgery, infections, or developmental issues.
- Chromosome defects: Inherited conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome can cause abnormal development of reproductive organs.
- Tumors: Cancers or nonmalignant tumors can directly affect reproductive organs or hormone-producing glands.
- Infection: Infections, including sexually transmitted infections, can hinder sperm production.
- Ejaculation issues: Conditions like retrograde ejaculation can cause semen to enter the bladder instead of exiting through the penis.
- Sexual intercourse problems: Issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can interfere with sexual activity.
- Certain medications: Drugs like testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroids, and some cancer medications can impair sperm production.