Understanding Male Infertility: Causes And Prevention Tips

Infertility occurs when a couple is unable to conceive despite having regular, unprotected sex for over a year. It can be due to physical or psychological issues affecting one or both partners. According to the National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health, 40% of infertility cases are attributed to male factors.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility refers to when the male partner is the cause of the couple’s inability to conceive. In 2002, over 7% of men under 45 years old in the U.S. were diagnosed with fertility problems. Among them, 14% had issues related to sperm and 6% had varicocele, a condition where veins in the scrotum become enlarged.

Male fertility is evaluated by examining sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). Problems in these areas can contribute to infertility. Additionally, blockages in the sperm ducts may prevent sperm from reaching the egg, even if sperm quality is normal.

Factors Contributing to Male Infertility

Several factors can cause male infertility, including:

Varicoceles: Enlarged veins in the genital area.
Infections or inflammation: These can affect sperm production.
Damage to sperm ducts: Can block sperm from reaching the egg.
Torsion: Twisting of the testicles, causing swelling and blockage.
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
Premature Ejaculation: Ejaculation occurs too quickly during intercourse.
Delayed Ejaculation: Ejaculation happens too late or not at all.
Retrograde Ejaculation: Semen moves into the bladder rather than out of the penis during orgasm.
Ejaculatory Incompetence: Inability to ejaculate during intercourse, though possible during masturbation.
Hormonal Imbalance: Leads to low sperm production.
Oligospermia: Low sperm count.
Asthenospermia: Poor sperm quality.
Teratospermia: Abnormal sperm shape.
Undescended Testicles: A condition affecting sperm production.
Radiation Exposure: Can reduce sperm count.
Lifestyle factors: Drug abuse, alcohol, smoking, and addictions.
Stress and Obesity: Both can negatively affect fertility.

This list covers common causes but is not exhaustive. If you are having trouble conceiving, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Preventing Male Infertility

Infertility caused by congenital issues, such as the absence of the vas deferens, cannot be prevented. However, lifestyle-related infertility, including issues caused by poor sperm production due to infections, addictions, or other reversible conditions, can often be treated.

Here are some tips to prevent male infertility linked to lifestyle:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can impair sperm production. Aim for a healthy weight for your body type.
Avoid Addictions: Alcohol, smoking, and drugs can disrupt biological functions. Limiting or eliminating these substances can improve fertility.
Keep Testicular Temperature Optimal: Wearing tight clothing can raise testicular temperature, negatively affecting sperm production. Wear looser clothes to help maintain proper circulation and temperature.
Limit Radiation Exposure: Electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops emit radiation that may affect sperm. Avoid placing a laptop directly on your lap for long periods and keep your phone in your shirt pocket rather than your pants pocket.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Deficiencies in nutrients, especially zinc and vitamin C, can impair sperm production. Ensure you consume a balanced diet, and consider supplements if needed.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity supports a strong immune system, reducing the risk of infections and inflammations that could harm sperm production.