How Common is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is more common than many people realize. In couples having trouble getting pregnant, about 1 in 3 cases are due to male fertility problems. According to medical research, around 7% of men may face infertility at some point in their lives. Infertility can affect men of any age, but it’s more likely in men over 40 or those with certain medical or lifestyle risk factors.
What causes male infertility?
Male infertility is a health condition where a man has problems that make it difficult to get his partner pregnant. This is usually due to issues with the sperm—such as low sperm count, poor movement, or abnormal shape. Sometimes, it’s caused by blockages, hormone problems, or other medical conditions. While male infertility can be upsetting, it is often treatable with the right medical care.
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm movement (motility)
- Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)
- Hormone imbalances (low testosterone or other hormone issues)
- Genetic conditions
- Undescended testicles
- Infections such as mumps or sexually transmitted diseases
- Injuries or surgeries affecting the testicles or reproductive tract
- Varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum)
Often, more than one factor may be involved.
Factors that can contribute to issues with sperm production.
Apart from medical reasons, several lifestyle and environmental factors can affect sperm health:
- Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in hormone levels, such as testosterone, can affect sperm production.
- Genetic abnormalities: Genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can affect sperm production and function.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as mumps (especially after puberty), can damage the testicles and interfere with sperm production.
- Varicoceles: Enlarged veins in the scrotum can cause heat buildup, leading to reduced sperm quality and quantity.
- Medications: Some medications, including anabolic steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antibiotics, can negatively affect sperm production.
Sperm function
Sperm function can be impaired by several factors that impact their ability to move, penetrate the egg, or fertilize it:
- Oxidative Stress: Excessive oxidative stress can damage the DNA within sperm, reducing their fertilization capability.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, toxic chemicals, and some infections can lead to sperm DNA damage and poor function.
- Immune System Issues: In rare cases, a man’s immune system may produce antibodies that mistakenly attack his own sperm, affecting their movement and function.
Blockages in the Reproductive Tract
Sometimes, sperm are made normally but cannot leave the body due to a blockage in the tubes that carry sperm. Common causes of blockages include:
- Infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
- Previous surgeries, like hernia repair or vasectomy
- Congenital defects, meaning the tubes did not develop properly
- Scar tissue, from injury or inflammation
In some cases, surgery may help remove the blockage or retrieve sperm directly from the testicles.
What Are the Symptoms of Male Infertility?
Often, male infertility shows no clear symptoms. Most men only find out when they are unable to conceive after trying for a year. However, some signs to look for include:
- Trouble with erections or ejaculation
- Low sex drive
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles
- Smaller or softer testicles than normal
- Unusual breast growth (gynecomastia)
- A history of infections or surgeries in the groin area
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. The doctor may ask about your lifestyle, past infections, surgeries, and any symptoms. You may also be asked about your sexual habits and how long you and your partner have been trying to conceive.
What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose Male Infertility?
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Semen analysis: This comprehensive test evaluates various aspects of semen and sperm health.
- Hormonal testing: It helps to identify any imbalances that could be affecting reproductive function.
- Gene testing: This type of testing looks for specific genetic factors that may be contributing to infertility.
- Biopsy: A testicular biopsy involves extracting a small tissue sample to examine sperm production at its source.
- Scans: Various imaging techniques are used to visualise the reproductive organs and identify any structural issues.
- Urine examination: This test checks for the presence of sperm in urine, which can indicate a condition where semen flows backwards into the bladder.
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour
MBBS , MS - General Surgery , MCh - Urology
- Pain Management Specialist
- 22+ Years Years Experience
Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology Urologist, Andrologist, Urological Surgeon
- Pain Management Specialist
- 13+ Years Years Experience
What foods should I avoid if I have male infertility?
While a balanced diet is essential for overall health, certain foods may negatively impact male fertility and should be consumed in moderation or avoided.
- Processed Meats: High consumption of processed meats is linked to reduced semen quality.
- Sugary Drinks and Foods: Excess sugar intake can disrupt hormonal balance and affect sperm health.
- Trans Fats: Found in many processed foods, trans fats can impair sperm production and function.
- Soy Products: Some studies suggest that excessive soy intake may negatively affect sperm concentration.
- Excessive Alcohol: High alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels and impair sperm quality.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Exposure to these chemicals can disrupt hormone production and affect fertility.
When Should You See a Doctor to Treat Male Infertility?
You should see a doctor if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success.
- Your partner is over 35 and you’ve been trying for 6 months or more.
- You have erection or ejaculation problems.
- You feel pain or swelling in your testicles.
- You’ve had infections, STIs, or surgery in the groin area.
- You’ve been exposed to radiation, heat, or harmful chemicals.
- You have a family history of infertility or genetic disorders.
Early testing can help improve your chances of successful treatment.
FAQs
Having a low sperm count might show up in a few ways. Struggling to get your partner pregnant is a big one, of course. You might also notice changes in your sex drive or how well you perform sexually. Physical discomfort, like pain or swelling around your testicles, is another potential sign. If any of these sound familiar, it's worth getting checked out.
A full fertility check-up is best for checking male fertility which usually involves a few things. The doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask about your health history. Then, there's the semen analysis, which looks at the quality and quantity of your sperm. By combining these, fertility experts can get a good understanding of your reproductive health and suggest a plan that's tailored for you.
The most reliable way to find out that the sperm is healthy is through a semen analysis. It's a straightforward test that checks out a few key things: how many sperm you have, how well they move, and what shape they are. Getting this test done can give you peace of mind and help you understand any potential fertility challenges. Plus, you can usually get results pretty quickly. For any worries you have about your fertility you can contact SCI hospital. We can diagnose what's going on, offer treatments, and provide support throughout the process. Getting in touch is easy, all you have to do is call, book online appointment, or just walk in for a consultation.
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Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour is the Consultant Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist at SCI International Hospital. After graduating as a doctor from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gour gained his General Surgery and Urology Specialist qualifications from B J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He was awarded the Shri Dhirajlal Desai Medal for first in M.Ch (Urology).
