Male Infertility

Male Infertility

Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to conceive even after one year of unprotected, frequent sexual intercourse. The male partner is primarily responsible in about 20% cases and is a contributing factor in another 30% to 40% of all infertility couple cases.

Low sperm count and abnormal sperm function are a couple of the factors of male infertility at the cellular level. Also, there are issues that interfere with the delivery of sperm, such as obstructive azoospermia (the development of sperm blockages). Sperm blockages could be due to vasectomy, congenital conditions, injury, etc., which prevent any sperm delivery during ejaculation.

In both genders, fertility can be equally taxing. It can lead to emotional distress, but recent technological advancements demonstrated long strides both in diagnosis and treatment of the ailment. Male infertility can arise from various health issues, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences, making it crucial to identify and address the underlying causes early.

Types of Male Infertility

  1. Azoospermia: Characterized by the absence of sperm in ejaculation, this type of male infertility could cause significant psychological and emotional distress. Nevertheless, the exact cause of azoospermia is not clear.
  2. Oligospermia: This type of male infertility is characterized by a reduction of sperm count during ejaculation. About 15 million (1.5 crore) sperm per milliliter of semen is regarded as a healthy count. Anything below that is considered oligospermia.
  3. Teratozoospermia: In this type of male infertility, the sperm are produced with an abnormal sperm shape. Due to this, the ability to fertilize the egg is reduced.
  4. Asthenozoospermia: Poor sperm motility, affecting the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize the egg.

Male Infertility Symptoms

While infertility in men is often diagnosed based on an inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, certain symptoms may point to underlying causes:

  • Problems with sexual function: difficulty with ejaculation, reduced sexual desire, or erectile dysfunction.
  • Pain or swelling in the testicular area: This could indicate an underlying condition affecting fertility.
  • Changes in hair growth: Abnormal hair loss or decreased facial or body hair may suggest hormonal imbalances.
  • Small, firm testicles: This could indicate problems with sperm production.

Women may not exhibit symptoms related to male infertility, but prolonged difficulty in conceiving could be an indication.

Male Infertility Causes

Several factors can cause male infertility, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances: Laurence-Moon-Beidl syndrome, iron overload syndrome, familial cerebellar ataxia, head trauma, intracranial radiation, testosterone supplementation, and hyperthyroidism.
  • Acquired urogenital abnormalities: bilateral obstruction or ligation of the vas deferens, bilateral orchiectomy, epididymitis, varicoceles.
  • Infections: sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Gonococci, chlamydia, syphilis, tuberculosis, recurrent urogenital infections, prostatitis, and recurrent prostatovesiculitis.
  • Ejaculation issues: premature ejaculation, anejaculation, infrequent sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.
  • Environmental factors: insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, Agent Orange, and other chemical exposures.
  • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug abuse can all impair sperm quality.

When to See a Doctor?

The endocrinologist can be consulted if the patient and his partner have been trying to conceive for over a year but without any success. Additionally, if the patient experiences like pain or swelling (inflammation) in the testicles, or difficulty during sexual function (such as pain during copulation, etc), it is important to seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of overcoming infertility. Book an appointment with Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra for an expert evaluation.

Risk Factors for Male Infertility

Several factors can increase the risk of male infertility:

  • Age: Fertility declines gradually with age, especially after 40. Also, it is much faster if the individual has an unhealthy BMI and a penchant for smoking.
  • Obesity: Hormonal imbalances in obesity can reduce sperm production. Central obesity as assessed by waist-to-hip ratio demonstrates a much clearer picture in analysing semen parameters
  • Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure can affect fertility. Diabetes mellitus in particular could be associated with vascular disease that may limit penile erection and thus effect ejaculation.
  • Heat exposure: Elevation of testicular temperature could result in impairment of spermatogenesis (production of sperms in testis) is widely accepted. Duration of sitting during work positively correlates with an increase in the daytime scrotal temperatures which negatively correlates with semen quality.
  • Medications: Certain medications can affect sperm production or function.

Complications & Prevention

Male infertility complications usually fall in the spectrum of psychological distress, and issues with the marital relationship. There may also be financial issues as the diagnosis, confirmation, and treatment of infertility can be expensive and frustrating. There is also the chance for complications related to any surgical procedures required.

Male Infertility Prevention strategies include:

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is a must for healthy sperm health. Various studies demonstrated that potential confounders such as age, BMI, and smoking and alcoholism are associated with low sperm count. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve sperm health.
  • Avoiding exposure to toxins and radiation: The major environmental risk factors for male infertility identified are exposures to chemicals, various types of pesticides, radiation exposure and mycotoxins. Minimizing their exposure can protect sperm quality.
  • Managing underlying health conditions: There are several biological factors that can cause male infertility such as genetic causes, hormonal causes, infectious causes etc. seminal tract obstruction). Properly treating infections, diabetes, or other conditions that may affect fertility can help prevent infertility.

Diagnosis & Male infertility Tests

Male infertility diagnosis typically involves several steps:

  • Semen analysis: This test assesses sperm count, motility, and shape. It is often the first test done to evaluate fertility.
  • Hormonal testing: Blood tests can measure hormone levels,
  • Ultrasound: A scrotal ultrasound can detect structural issues like varicocele that may be affecting fertility.
  • Genetic testing: Some cases of infertility are due to genetic disorders, which can be identified through testing.

Male Infertility Treatment

Male infertility management depends on the underlying cause of infertility and may include:

  • Male Infertility Surgery: Procedures like varicocele repair or vasectomy reversal can restore fertility.
  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help couples conceive when natural methods are ineffective.

Consult Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra today to discuss the best treatment options for your condition.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  • Do maintain a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use can improve sperm health.
  • Do seek medical advice early. If you've been trying to conceive for over a year, schedule an appointment with a specialist to identify and treat potential causes.
  • Do manage stress. Fertility challenges can be stressful, but managing stress through relaxation techniques and support can improve overall health and well-being.

Don'ts:

  • Don’t ignore symptoms. Pain, swelling, or changes in sexual function could indicate underlying health issues that affect fertility.
  • Don’t rely on home remedies or over-the-counter supplements. It's important to seek professional medical advice before using supplements or alternative treatments for infertility.
  • Don’t overheat your testicles. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and tight clothing, as excessive heat can negatively affect sperm production.

Care at Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra Endocrinology Clinic

At Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra Endocrinology Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating male infertility. Our team uses the latest diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help couples on their fertility journey. Whether it’s addressing hormonal imbalances or surgical interventions, Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra provides expert care every step of the way

Call Now for Appointment