Infertility is a condition that affects men and women. It refers to the inability to conceive after at least one year of regular, unprotected sex. According to WHO, globally, 186 million individuals and 48 million couples suffer from infertility.
There are many reasons for infertility in men, including low sperm count, erectile dysfunction (ED), and hormonal imbalance. In this article, we will discuss some common causes of male factor infertility and its treatment options.
Low Sperm Count
As per USA Today, sperm concentration and count are down all over the world. From 2000 to 2018, the decline has been a huge 2.6% per year.
Low sperm count is the most common cause of infertility in men. It can be caused by several factors, including:
- Varicoceles (varicose veins outside the testes)
- Testicular torsion (twisting of the testicles)
- Toxins that are present in your environment, diet, or lifestyle
Luckily, low sperm count is often treatable. Medications and surgery can help improve your sperm quality and increase your chances of getting your partner pregnant. You may want to talk to your doctor about having a semen analysis done so you can see how healthy your sperm are before starting any treatment plan.
Low Sperm Motility
Low sperm motility is one of the major causes of infertility. A man’s sperm must be able to swim through a woman’s reproductive tract to fertilize an egg. When a man has low sperm motility, his sperm are slower and have more difficulty moving forward than normal.
This condition can be caused by many things. For example, if you have a problem with your testicles or hormone levels, you may have low motility. Other causes include damage from previous surgeries or infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Men with low sperm motility need to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can get treatment options that might help their chances of having children in the future.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the man has difficulty attaining and maintaining erections. It can be caused due to many reasons like hormonal imbalance, psychological problems, physical injuries, and stress. Some of these issues can be treated with medication, while others are more serious and require surgical procedures or lifestyle changes.
The most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men is diabetes mellitus type 2, which causes damage to blood vessels, including those in the penis. Other factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, prostate cancer, or other forms of cancer, and even certain medications such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications.
If you have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction or other male fertility issues, then you can go to an expert clinic for treatment. There are nearly 450 fertility clinics in U.S. States like Arizona, which has 25% of its population between 25 to 44 years.
You can find the most reliable treatment for sex-related issues in all its major cities. Search for an Erectile Dysfunction Clinic in Gilbert, Arizona, if you are in the fast-developing city. There are many solutions available nowadays that can help you overcome these problems naturally without any side effects whatsoever.
Blockage in the Sperm Transfer Route
One of the most common causes of infertility in men is a blockage in the sperm transfer route to the urethra. This can result from conditions such as inflammation and infection, which are caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Other potential causes include injury to the reproductive system due to traumatic injury or surgery, hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis, congenital defects during embryonic development, an injury sustained during military service (including those who were exposed to toxic chemicals), or even cancer affecting organs related to male reproduction.
Hormonal Imbalance
The male reproductive system relies on hormones to function properly and produce sperm. A hormonal imbalance can lead to infertility, and this may be caused by stress, alcohol, and smoking.
Treatment options for hormonal imbalances include lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep or exercise and losing weight if necessary, medications such as antidepressants or birth control pills that help regulate hormone levels in your body, surgery to correct problems with the testicles, or assisted reproduction treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization).
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are also responsible for infertility in men. These include exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and other toxic substances. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can also affect sperm production. Stress, heat, and radiation may impair fertility.
Certain drugs, including cancer medications, steroids such as anabolic steroids and methyltestosterone (approved for the treatment of low testosterone), and cyclosporine (used with organ transplants), can harm your sperm count.
If you are trying to conceive and want male-factor infertility treatment options, then you should consult a doctor who will advise on the best course of action depending on your specific situation.
Conclusion
As per the Reproductive Facts, more than 73,000 babies in 2020 were born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Infertility is a serious condition that affects millions of men in the world.
Many factors, including genetics and lifestyle habits, can cause it, The good news is that there are many treatments available to help couples conceive. If you are experiencing any infertility issues, you must talk to your doctor about treatment options today.
