Fertility is considered a taboo and people do not often talk about it, which is why we have misconceptions about this problem. For the longest time, women were considered solely responsible for infertility. Much later, it was discovered that infertility is as much a man’s problem as it is a woman’s. You would be surprised to learn that every three infertility cases are due to the “male factor”?
Issues with male fertility can be devastating for men to face; their inability to father a child can blow their ego. The condition, however, is treatable depending on its severity. Unfortunately, some conditions are not curable. Therefore, you need to have good information about male fertility or the reproductive system to have a clear understanding of this topic.
Understanding Male Fertility Problems
Male infertility arises when a man is unable to impregnate a female partner even after having unprotected intercourse during the ovulation period. Male fertility depends on the healthy sperm, sperm count, testosterone levels, sperm production, and more. The sperms enter a female partner’s uterus through her cervix to the fallopian tubes. Then, sperm meets an egg, and fertilization takes place. This can only happen when there are no issues with hormone levels, medical conditions, environment changes, and reproductive system.
Causes of Male Infertility
Issues with male fertility can occur due to several reasons, including:
1. Ejaculation Problems
There is an ejaculation problem, known as Retrograde Ejaculation, in which the semen production takes place, but it goes back into the bladder instead of emerging out of the penis. Many factors contribute to ejaculation problems such as prostate, bladder surgery, spinal injuries, diabetes, medication effect, and more.
2. Infection
Some infections can also impede male fertility or sperm production such as poor sperm health. One of the infections includes inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis). It can also happen due to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or gonorrhea. However, sperm retrieval is possible with proper treatment.
3. Sexual Intercourse Problems
Problems during sexual intercourse with the female partner can also cause issues in male fertility, such as:
- Painful sex
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty in keeping the erection of the penis)
- Premature ejaculation
- Anatomical problems such as hypospadias (having a urethral opening beneath the penis)
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Male infertility can also be caused by an imbalance of hormone levels. Another reason could be due to testicle disorders or any other abnormality impacting the hormonal system.
5. Psychological Barriers
Most of the time, personal or psychological problems can also be a barrier to male fertility. If a man is stressed out or has relationship issues with a female partner, it can also produce fertility difficulties.
6. Varicocele
Do you know that 38% of the time the cause of male infertility is due to Varicocele?
Yes, it is that common. What is Varicocele? It is when bulging veins abnormally collect above the testicle.
7. Genetic Disorders
Some infertile men are born with a genetic condition that is responsible for the problem. Most of the genetic abnormalities include azoospermia where men have no sperm in the ejaculate which affects sperm production. Therefore, genetic tests are also performed to detect if a man has inherited fertile disorders from the genes.
Diagnosis for Male Infertility
Male infertility diagnosis involves the follows
1. Semen Analysis
Male fertility is diagnosed by semen analysis in which semen samples are collected from different methods and then sent to a laboratory to measure the sperm count and abnormalities with its movement and shape.
2. Testicular Biopsy
Testicular biopsy is a test that involves the removal of a small portion of the testicle for examination. It is performed with a small incision in the skin of the scrotum under general or local anesthesia. The test is for the diagnosis of infertility and the sample can also be used in assisted reproductive techniques.
3. Scrotal Ultrasound
This is the test that takes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal body. This test helps doctors to figure out if you have any underlying infertility issues such as varicocele or any other in testicles.
4. Hormonal Testing
Testicles, hormones produced in the pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus are the three components that play an important role in sperm production. Alongside that, there may be other abnormalities too. Therefore, hormonal testing is required to measure testosterone levels and other hormone levels to detect the actual cause.
Treatment for Male Fertility Problems
Male infertility treatment includes the following
1. Infection Treatment
Infertile men due to infection need the treatment for the underlying infection. Doctors might suggest an antibiotic for the recovery of the reproductive tract. It necessarily doesn’t always help cure infertility but helps in the treatment of infection.
2. Surgery
There are causes of infertility that require surgery such as Varicocele which is often surgically operated on. Reverse vasectomies are also reversed. Sperm retrieval also happens with the help of surgery.
3. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a method to make pregnancy possible. In this method, sperms are mixed with several eggs from a female partner. The eggs are collected in a test tube and then fertilized eggs are placed in the uterus. IVF requires healthy sperm to make pregnancy possible.
4. Hormonal Treatment
If infertility is caused by fluctuating hormone levels due to medication or other medical reasons, doctors recommend hormonal treatment to improve the way the body uses hormones. Hormonal therapy is also a suggested method to increase sperm count.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Doctors also suggest infertile men make lifestyle changes that could possibly treat their condition. This includes cessation of drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using illegal drugs, and more. Regular physical exercise and healthy eating habits can also make a huge difference.
The Bottom Line
Male infertility is a very common condition, and men should not feel guilty about it. The good news is that the problem is highly treatable. Speak to your doctor if you come across any of the issues listed above. Your doctor may prescribe you medications including Cerophene Tablets and Andrez Capsules 40mg. Your lifelong dream of fathering a child and starting a family can be realized if the condition is diagnosed and treated on time.
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