Fact: In about one-third cases infertility is due to male reproductive issues, one-third due to female reproductive issues, and one-third due to both parties or by unknown factors.
For couples who are trying to conceive, infertility often remains a mysterious reality they need to tackle. There are many myths about infertility that make matters more complicated to the couples, their family, which interferes with peoples’ decision-making. Unfortunately, women are subjected to most of the blame. Often families, society, and even the women trying to conceive tend to believe that infertility is only a women’s issue. Such belief comes due to a presumption that lack of fertility must be directly related to their womb. But, in reality both males and females may be affected by infertility.
Read further to know what is male infertility, what are the causes of infertility in males, and which males are at a higher risk of experiencing infertility.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility is any health condition in males that lowers the chances of their female partner getting pregnant.
What are the causes of infertility?
Many biological and environmental factors can impact fertility in males, that may include:
- Azoospermia - The inability to produce sperm cells.
- Oligospermia - Producing low count or low quality sperm.
- Genetic diseases - Myotonic dystrophy, Klinefelter’s syndrome, microdeletion, etc.
- Malformed sperm - Sperms of abnormal shape, size, or anatomy that cannot live long enough to fertilize the egg.
- Trauma to your testes.
- Varicocele - Bulged or enlarged testicle veins, causing them to overheat, which can affect the shape or number of your sperm.
- Some medical conditions - uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, some systemic infections, cystic fibrosis, hormonal disorders, and many more.
- Prolonged use of certain medications and supplements.
- Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
- Surgery that requires removal of the testicles (one or both).
- Lifestyle factors - Alcohol consumption, smoking, and substance use.
Which males are at a higher risk of experiencing infertility?
The chances of infertility are higher in males when they are/have:
- Overweight or obese.
- Aged 40 years and above.
- Undergoing chemo or radiotherapy or have previously been exposed to radiation.
- Exposed to environmental toxins including lead, mercury, or pesticides.
- Prolonged exposure to heat that raises the temperature of their testes.
- Undescended testicle(s) or a history of varicoceles.
- Unhealthy lifestyle
Take Home Message: Infertility is not just a female problem, it is a people problem. Infertility needs to be approached sensibly and with an open mind. It is important to seek proper medical guidance and act accordingly.
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