Natural Health Alternatives Blog

Infertility Among Males

Research suggests that infertility affects 1 out of 6 couples and about 1 out of a 100 couples are unable to conceive with unprotected sex. In over third of these cases, the issue is with men, which makes over 15% couples infertile. So what exactly is male infertility? Any health problem which lowers the chance of a man to have a child with his female partner is called male infertility. Although, the woman will carry the child to term and will deliver it, a man has an equally important role – helping his partner conceive. For conception to occur, a male sperm must be healthy and strong enough to penetrate the wall of the woman’s egg. For fertilisation and conception, a man must be able to have and maintain an erection. It is mandatory to have strong and enough number of sperm cells that are the right shape and should be able to move and reach the woman’s egg. Any problem or issue in any of these steps is a sign of male infertility. If you are trying to conceive for over a year with unprotected sex without success, it is time to consult a doctor. The good news is in over 80% cases; doctors can diagnose the cause of the problem and prescribe a suitable treatment.

What are the Causes?

Male infertility is mainly low sperm production, blockages that inhibit the delivery of sperm to the egg and any other abnormal sperm activity and function. Although lifestyle and genetics play a dominant role in causing male infertility, there are other factors too which can be the culprit behind this condition. Some of which are environmental exposure, excessive use of alcohol, smoking, obesity, hormones, chronic health problems, wearing tight clothing, radiation exposure, past illnesses and injuries and lifestyle choices.

What Are its Symptoms?

The most apparent symptom of male infertility is not able to conceive a child. There are no other visible symptoms. Symptoms of infertility can be a sign of an underlying disorder such as dilation of veins around the testicles, hormonal imbalance and any inherited disorder. Most men are unable to recognise infertility symptoms until they are trying to conceive.

Here are some signs that are commonly associated with male infertility:

•    Problem with sexual functions such as ejaculation, reduced libido, difficulty in having or maintaining an erection or low volumes of ejaculated fluid

•    Frequent respiratory infections

•    Pain or swelling in the testicle region

•    Unable to smell

•    Gynecomastia (abnormal lump or growth in the breast)

•    A lower sperm count

•    Decreased facial or body hair

•    Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Conception

Several reasons and diagnosis can cause infertility which can is usually evaluated through various tests. The diagnosis for male infertility will include:

•    General and physical examination by a doctor. The doctor will ask about the history of any groin, testicular, scrotum or penis injury or surgery, testicle or prostate issues, pain, lump, swelling in the testicle area or having low sex drive, ejaculation issues or any other problem with sexual functions.

•    Semen analysis, which determines the number of sperm, shape, movement and any signs of infections.

•    Other tests may be carried out such as genetic testing, post-ejaculation urinalysis, testicular biopsy, hormonal testing, scrotal ultrasound, Transrectal ultrasound and special sperm function testing.

What Are its Treatments?

The doctor may prescribe treatments such as:

•    Surgery

•    Treating infections of the reproductive tract

•    Hormonal replacement medications

•    Medication and counselling for sexual intercourse problems

•    Assisted Reproductive Technology, which includes collecting sperm from normal ejaculation and using surgical extraction for inserting it into female genital tract through in vitro fertilisation or using intracytoplasmic sperm injection.