Male Infertility Causes

Many people, to this day, still believe that infertility and reproduction issues almost always relate to the woman, even though this isn’t the case. Up to 40 percent of infertility cases are diagnosed in men all over the world. Male infertility is caused due to deficiencies in the semen, which can be related to quality, or delivery.

This can be caused by many different conditions, and there also may be no obvious signs or symptoms. In order to test for male infertility the quantity or quality of the sperm will be tested to determine the diagnosis. To the naked eye, the semen may appear normal, and all male functions can be normal including maintaining an erection and ejaculation, even if infertility is present.

There are various reasons for male infertility, from blockages in the tubes leading to the penis to environmental factors. These can cause problems in the transportation of sperm and the production in the testes. Two-thirds of men with infertility issues only produce small amounts of sperm or are not able to produce sperm at all.

In order for a man’s sperm to be most effective in fertilizing the egg there are four main factors that need to happen. Despite what we may think, just finishing the job, so to speak, is not all there is to be done for the chance that conception occurs.

1. We Need To Produce Healthy Sperm

There are many factors related to having healthy sperm including hormonal, properly developed anatomy and biology.

2. The “Cocktail” Needs To Be Right: Sperm Needs To Be Mixed With The Semen

The tubes that sperm travels through to get to the semen are rather delicate. Damage to them can cause issues.

3. We Need To Make Enough Sperm

The simple truth to this is the more the merrier! The odds of one sperm making it to the egg are not great. The more boys that can be sent in to do the job the better!

Not enough boys “going in” is fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate. Yes! Millions still may not be enough!

4. Sperm Needs To “Move It, Move It!”

Motility is also a critical factor in fertilizing the egg. The sperm has a relatively long way to go to get to the egg and then be able to get inside of it. Sperm need to travel through a woman’s cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes before they get to the ovum for fertilization.

The bottom line is to lessen the chance of infertility our sperm and semen need to be as good as they can be.

There are many factors that can play a role, work against us and therefore causing male infertility. Some of these factors include:

Transportation Issues – Moving sperm from the testes to the penis is found to be the cause in 1 in 5 infertile men. These can include blockages in the tubes and men who have had a vasectomy reversal.
Sexual Problems – Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low sex drive can all be factors stopping conception.
Low Hormone Levels – This can be caused by hereditary reasons or things like anabolic steroid abuse.
Infection – Infections can cause scarring in the tubes blocking the passageway for the sperm.
Undescended Testes – In this condition caused when one or both testes never descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. Men can be born with this condition and with surgery, it can be reversed although the testes may never function properly.
Celiac disease – This disease is caused by gluten in foods. Eliminating gluten from your diet can reverse the effects of infertility.
Previous surgeries – Surgery on the groin, testes, penis or scrotum can cause infertility.

Environmental factors can also play a part in male infertility. Prolonged exposure to certain things including chemicals and excessive heat may reduce the production and functions of the sperm.

Some of these include:

Industrial Chemicals – Chemicals like pesticides, benzenes and painting materials may be contributing factors.
X-Ray And Radiation – These exposures can cause low sperm counts, and high exposure can cause permanent damage.
Heavy Metals – Lead can cause infertility.
Heat – Exposure to excessive heat including underground mines, spas and saunas can impair the functions and production of sperm.

Conception can take time, sometimes more than a year. This can happen for a number of different reasons. If you are concerned or have been trying for a long period of time a trip to the doctor is the best way to determine why. If you have any of the conditions or factors in your lifestyle, it is important to speak to your doctor and seek treatment.

Infertility can be a stressful time between you and your partner. Help, both physical and emotional is available to you in this hard time through your healthcare system. Surgery or expensive procedures may be necessarily involved to help with reproduction. Some types of male infertility issues may not be preventable or reversible although there are some things you can do to help improve the issues that can.

These include:

Quit smoking
Do not take any recreational or other illicit drugs
Reduce stress
Limit alcohol consumption
Reduce exposure to negative environmental factors
Avoid prolonged heat build-up that can be caused from tight clothing and prolonged seating
Physical activity and healthy eating to help lose and maintain weight

Treatments for infertility differ depending on the cause of the case. One in 8 cases of male infertility is treatable and with the help of your doctor conception can be achieved. Some doctors may recommend a course of treatment such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).

This treatment can be expensive although in most cases it is the last resort. IVF will not cure your infertility although pregnancy can be achieved with one or more treatments.

Other treatments that your doctor may recommend can be:

Surgery – To repair any obstructions in the tubes or reverse vasectomies.
Sexual function – Medication may be available to assist you in any difficulties with sexual functions including erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Hormone treatments – Hormone levels can be restored to normal levels with medication.
Infections – Treating infections with antibiotics may help to reverse certain causes of infertility.

There are home remedies including vitamins and supplements like biotin, zinc, and magnesium that may improve your sperm count. However, it is vital you speak to your doctor if you would like to take a home remedy approach, as there may be risks and when taken in the wrong doses.

If you are trying to conceive with your partner, and you do have a normal sperm count, during her peak time, and to be able to deliver the maximum amount of sperm, you should be having sex every other day or every third day. Even though your body is constantly producing new sperm it is best to give your body a chance to build up new reserves. This means no sexual activity (ejaculation) for you on the off day(s), solo or otherwise!

Conclusion

As with any health related issue, it is important to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and signs to get the best treatment available for a male infertility condition. There are possible solutions.

We men need to take responsibility for our part of the conception equation.

Be A Man – Do The Right Thing. Take Of Yourself. Take Care Of Your “Boys”. Consult With Your Doctor When Needed.

BAM!!! Be A Man! Do The Right Thing.

Be the DtRTy Guy