The formation and transmission of healthy sperm by the body are determining factors for male fertility. Sperms are small reproductive cells or gametes produced by a male's body. They enter a woman's body during intercourse through ejaculation. Fertilisation occurs when an egg gets fertilised with the sperm, which enters the female partner's vagina and reaches her uterus via the cervix.
The inability of a man to conceive a fertile woman despite regular sexual activity is known as male infertility. Male infertility has drawn increased attention due to recent evidence of a decline in sperm quality and poor sperm quantity among young, healthy men worldwide. An estimated 7% of all men are suffering from infertility, with approximately 10-15% of infertile men having a complete absence of sperm.
A detailed analysis of the male infertility problem is necessary due to the male infertility issue's importance.
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Male Infertility Symptoms
The primary symptom is infertility itself. However, it is significantly more challenging to describe the adverse emotional and psychological effects of infertility issues on an individual who aspires to have children. The following are the symptoms of infertility in men:
- Issues with ejaculation
- Fluctuations in Sexual desires
- Difficulties maintaining an erection
- Chromosomal or hormonal problem
- Gynecomastia, or abnormal breast growth
What are the causes of infertility in men?
Male infertility can have several reasons, as a variety of factors influence one's fertility. Following are some of the causes of infertility in men:
- Infection:
One becomes infected when bacteria, viruses, or other organisms penetrate the body’s tissues. The infection causes damage to the cells in your body. Certain diseases can stop sperm from forming or cause scarring that stops sperm from passing through.
- Obstructions:
- Obstructions
The contractions of the muscles during ejaculation push the semen out of the penis and into the urethra. The tubes through which sperm travels may sometimes get obstructed. Blockage can result from recurring infections, injury, swelling, or abnormalities at birth. As a result, due to an obstruction, sperm from the testicles can't leave the body during ejaculation.
- Genetic Disorders
Genetic factors also impact male fertility. Hereditary diseases like Klinefelter's syndrome, also known as 47, XXY, are caused by an extra X chromosome that a man inherits, which causes abnormal development of the male reproductive organs.
- Industrial pollution
Long-term exposure to some chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, organic solvents, and painting materials may result in a reduction in sperm count.
- Sexual Intercourse Issues
Intercourse difficulties that can lead to male infertility include inefficiency, early outbursts, pain during intercourse, and psychological or relational concerns that interfere with sex.
Types of Male Infertility Issues
Different types of male infertility issues are:
- Varicocele
The abnormal dilation and enlargement of veins inside the scrotum, a skin pouch holding testicles, is known as varicocele. Known to be among the most common reasons for male infertility, it leads to poor sperm morphology, very low sperm count, and decreased sperm motility. Though it can develop on either side, it typically appears on the left side.
- Hydrocele
An abnormal accumulation of fluid surrounding the testicles and spermatic cord in the scrotum is known as a hydrocele. Hydroceles are caused by an imbalance in the fluid secretion and reabsorption processes. The majority of people with this issue report having painless scrotal edema.
- Oligospermia
The condition of a low sperm count in semen is referred to as oligospermia. A male could suffer from oligospermia as a result of various underlying conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities, hormone imbalances, obstructions, or ejaculatory problems.
- Azoospermia
The most severe kind of infertility in men, it refers to the complete lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Sperms produced by a male's testicles bond with fluid found in the seminal vesicles to produce semen that comes out from the penis during ejaculation. Various factors leading to aberrant sperm production can ultimately result in azoospermia.
Tips to Manage Male Infertility
A male can improve his production of healthy sperm by incorporating certain modifications in his lifestyle. Tips to manage male infertility include:
- Manage stress
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
- Regularly engage in physical activities, including walking, jogging, and bicycling