Male Infertility: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Guide
Roughly 30 to 50 per cent of couples are challenged with male infertility. This article shares an insight into its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes
Roughly 30 to 50 per cent of couples are challenged with male infertility. This article shares an insight into its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions.
Infertility affects both males and females. Male infertility refers to the man’s inability to contribute to conception and pregnancy in a fertile female partner despite having unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or more.
For a successful pregnancy, approximately 20 million sperm in each millilitre of semen is a requisite. These sperm should have high motility and quality to swim up the fallopian tubes to fertilise the egg. When a sperm fertilises an egg, a new life begins.
A young, healthy couple has a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month. However, if the couple is unable to conceive after a year, it is most likely another case of male infertility requiring medical attention.
It can occur due to various issues associated with the male reproductive system, such as low sperm production, poor sperm motility and quality, etc.
Male infertility can be a result of many causes ranging from genetic disorders to environmental factors to lifestyle choices.
Below, we categorise male infertility causes according to factors:
Veins in the scrotum enlarge, which causes an increase in the testicular temperature that hinders spermatogenesis.
Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Kallman syndrome also obstruct sperm production and quality.
Testicular infections of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm, can impair sperm production or function.
This includes retrograde ejaculation, a condition where semen flows back into the bladder, or other ejaculatory problems can occur.
A condition where the erection is not firm enough for intercourse.
Sperm production can be affected by hormonal issues with the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or testicles.
Autoimmune diseases, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes also impact male fertility.
Cancerous and benign tumours can also impact the male reproductive system.
A condition wherein during foetal development, both or any one of the testicles fails to descend into the scrotum, resulting in male infertility issues.
Deformed sperm, low sperm count (oligospermia), or absence of sperm from semen (azoospermia).
Male infertility symptoms include:
A comprehensive and expert examination is essential when dealing with a challenge like male infertility. The standard diagnostic approach at Dr Garaffa’s Andrology clinic in London includes a thorough physical examination to determine your health condition and identify any symptoms affecting your fertility.
You and your partner may be asked about your sexual habits and prior medical history. Dr Garaffa’s expertise allows him to interpret results comprehensively whilst identifying subtlety that goes unnoticed during a general assessment.
Semen analysis is the primary test used to determine male fertility. The test examines sperm count, motility, and morphology in the patient’s semen sample.
Invasive and non-invasive imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and venogram are conducted to identify and rule out male infertility.
For a more accurate diagnosis, blood tests, urine analysis tests, and testicular biopsies are performed to rule out any male sterility issues.
With technological advancements, treatments and procedures are available to conceive using the sperm in its existing condition successfully.
Presently, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is one of the approaches used to help male infertility cases. Some of these ART treatment options include:
Some medical approaches to help male infertility are:
Furthermore, to enhance sperm concentration, sperm motility and production, your doctor can also suggest some lifestyle changes, such as:
Making mindful lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and taking supplements increases sperm count naturally.
Yes, as obesity causes hormonal imbalance that affects sperm quality.
Yes, chronic stress significantly impacts male fertility.
Sperm quality and production are impaired due to an imbalance of testosterone, FSH, or LH hormones.
At least try to conceive for one year with regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Dealing with male infertility can be overwhelming, but knowing the causes and the proper treatment options empowers you to take charge of your reproductive health. If you have concerns about your fertility or are experiencing challenges, then seeking expert advice is the step towards a brighter future. Book your consultation today with Dr Giulio Garaffa, a leading private urologist in London who specialises in diagnosing and treating male infertility.
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Mr Giulio Garaffa is a highly experienced, award-winning Consultant Uro-Andrologist with over 20 years of international medical expertise.
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