Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment Options

Introduction

Male infertility is often a misunderstood condition. Being considered a taboo, it affects millions of men worldwide. It not only affects emotional wellness but can also strain relationships and social interactions. Let’s understand the various aspects of male infertility, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and available treatment options. By understanding this condition better, couples facing fertility challenges can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner even after 12 months of regular & unprotected sexual activity. Male infertility can result from various factors affecting sperm production, function, or delivery. Various medical issues, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices can contribute to male infertility.

What Happens if a Man is Infertile?

If a man is infertile, it means that despite repeated attempts at conception through unprotected sexual intercourse over a year, his female partner does not become pregnant. This situation can lead to emotional stress, relationship strain, and the need for medical intervention to achieve pregnancy.

How Common is Male Infertility?

This condition is more common than many people realise. It affects about 7% of all men, and male factors contribute to approximately 40-50% of all infertility cases worldwide. According to a recent report on the status of infertility in India, nearly 50% of infertility is related to reproductive anomalies or disorders in the male.

Is it Easy to Conceive?

Contrary to popular belief, conception is not always an easy process. The human species has a relatively low reproductive capacity compared to other mammals. For a young, healthy couple engaging in regular unprotected intercourse, the chance of conception in any given month is only about 20-25%. This statistic highlights the complexity of human reproduction and the many factors that must align for successful conception to occur.

What are the Signs of Unhealthy Sperm?

The most prominent symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. However, several signs may indicate unhealthy sperm or underlying fertility issues:

• Changes in sexual function (e.g., difficulty maintaining an erection or low sex drive)
• A lump, pain or swelling in the testicle area
• Decreased facial or body hair, indicating a
• Foul-smelling ejaculate

It’s important to note that many men with fertility problems don’t have any apparent male infertility symptoms. Often, infertility is only discovered after a couple has trouble conceiving.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Some of the common male infertility causes are as follows:

• Sperm Production Problems: Low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), or abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
• Genetic Disorders: Such as Klinefelter syndrome or cystic fibrosis
• Hormonal Imbalances: Affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, or testicles
• Anatomical Issues: Varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or blockages in the reproductive tract 
• Infections: Including sexually transmitted infections or inflammation of the prostate or testicles
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins, excessive heat, or radiation
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or use of certain medications

Is Healthy Sperm Thick or Runny?

Healthy semen is typically thick and whitish-grey in colour immediately after ejaculation. It should liquefy and become more runny within 15 to 20 minutes. While the consistency of semen can vary, extremely watery semen might indicate a low sperm count. However, the appearance of semen alone is not a reliable indicator of fertility, and proper testing is necessary for an accurate assessment.

How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

Diagnosing male infertility involves several steps:

• Medical and Clinical History: The doctor will ask about your overall health, sexual history, and any factors affecting fertility.
• Physical Examination: This includes checking the genitals for structural abnormalities or signs of other health problems.
• Semen Analysis: This is the key test to diagnose male infertility. It evaluates the quantity and quality of sperm.
• Blood Tests: These can check hormone levels and genetic factors.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI scans may help identify structural abnormalities or blockages.

What Tests Will Be Performed to Diagnose Male Infertility?

The main tests used to diagnose male infertility include:

• Semen Analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology
• Hormone Testing: Measures levels of testosterone and other hormones
• Genetic Testing: Checks for genetic abnormalities that could affect fertility
• Testicular Biopsy: In some cases, doctors may take a small tissue sample to examine sperm production
• Imaging Studies: Such as scrotal ultrasound or transrectal ultrasound
• Post-ejaculation Urinalysis: To check for retrograde ejaculation

Can You Fix Male Infertility?

In many instances, male infertility can be treated effectively. Treatment success generally depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of both partners. Male infertility treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe various male infertility medicines to treat hormonal imbalances or infections causing temporary male infertility.
• Surgery: Doctors may conduct surgery to repair varicoceles or remove blockages which result in infertility.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs): Various ARTs, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), can help overcome male infertility.

It’s important to note that not all cases of male infertility can be “fixed,” but many couples can still achieve pregnancy with appropriate medical interventions, says Dr. Mahesh Babu.

Can Male Infertility Be Prevented?

While not all reasons for male infertility are preventable, there are several steps men can take to protect their fertility:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol, and illicit drugs
• Protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Manage stress and get enough sleep
• Avoid exposure to environmental toxins and excessive heat
• Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive high-intensity workouts
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants

Conclusion

Male infertility is a condition often considered as a taboo. Understanding the different factors that contribute to male infertility, recognising potential male infertility symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical guidance are crucial steps in addressing fertility concerns. With recent advancements in medical science, many cases of male infertility can be successfully treated, offering hope to couples struggling to conceive. If you’re concerned about your fertility, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor specialising in reproductive health. Remember, fertility is a journey that involves both partners and support, and open communication is critical throughout the process.

FAQ’s

Can stress cause male infertility? 

While stress alone is unlikely to be a cause of infertility, chronic stress can potentially affect sperm production and sexual function. Managing stress through relaxation methods and lifestyle changes may help improve overall reproductive health.

Does age affect male fertility? 

Male fertility generally declines with age, although not as dramatically as female fertility. After age 40, men may experience decreased sperm quality and quantity, which can affect fertility.

Can male infertility be cured naturally? 

Some cases of male infertility may improve with a change in lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and diminishing alcohol consumption. However, many cases require medical intervention for successful treatment.

How long does it take for sperm to regenerate? 

Sperm production (spermatogenesis) is a continuous process that takes about 64 days. However, it can take up to three months for changes in lifestyle or medical treatments to have a noticeable effect on sperm quality.

Can laptop use affect male fertility?

Prolonged use of laptops directly on the lap may increase scrotal temperature, which could potentially affect sperm production. Using laptops on a desk or table is advisable to avoid this potential risk.