Causes
of Male Infertility
Varicocele:
Varicocele is a condition that affects approximately 40 percent
of infertile males. It is caused by enlargement of the veins
in the scrotum. If these veins are enlarged it can cause the
temperature to increase. Increased temperature of the scrotum
affects sperm production and sperm quality.
Cryptorchidism:
If the testes do not properly descend into the scrotom this
is called cryptorchidsm. Cryptorchidism is fairly common in
premature births and occurs in full term births at a much
lesser rate. Usually this resolves itself within a few weeks,
but sometimes corrective surgery is needed. Cryptorchism can
seriously impair fertility rates. If both testes are affected
the chance of a successful pregnancy is very small.
Disease
or illness: Diseases such as cystic fibrosis can affect
male fertility. Men who have undergone chemotherapy or had
sexually transmitted desases may also be at greater risk of
infertility.
Obstructions
in the reproductive tract: Obstructions in the male reproductive
system is another common cause of infertility. Men with obstruction
problems are usually making sperm but it is not making its
way outside of the penis. Common causes of obstructions are
urinary tract infections, scarring from sexually transmitted
disease, injury, vasectomy or anatomical defects.
Injury:
Accidents or sports injuries can cause damage to the male
reproductive system resulting in infertility.
Hormone
Deficiencies: Deficiencies in male hormone production
such as testosterone can affect sperm production. Doctors
will usually ask questions about when puberty was started.
The age at which males enter puberty can be an indicator of
hormonal disorders.
Medications:
There are many medications that affect fertility and cause
sexual disfunctions. It is important for a doctor to evaluate
what medications a man is taking to determine the possible
impact on his fertility.
Retrograde
Ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation is caused when the
nerves or muscles in the bladder do not work properly. What
happens is sperm is transported backwards into the bladder
instead of forward and out through the penis. Sometimes men
will have cloudy urine after an ejaculation because of this.
If
you are having infertility issues it is important that both
partners are evaluated. A doctor will do a thorough physical
exam as well as evaluate the man's sperm. Men may be uncomfortable
going in for an exam but it is really necessary that both
partner's be evaluated during a fertility work up. Treatment
options will vary depending on what the cause of his infertility
is.
Male
fertility tests available at early-pregnancy-tests.com
