Male infertility can lower the chances of getting a woman pregnant. A medical professional can diagnose this health issue through blood tests, semen analysis, and scrotal ultrasound. Several factors can contribute to infertility in men. Visiting one of the most reliable infertility clinics can help determine the cause.
Here are problems that affect male fertility.
Varicocele
Varicocele refers to the swelling of the veins in the scrotum. Severe pain after sitting or standing for extended periods can be a symptom of varicocele. This health problem can harm sperm growth by blocking blood drainage.
Varicocele might lead to abnormal blood flow, which reduces sperm quality and quantity. Enlarged veins can increase the temperature in testicles and contribute to low sperm numbers. This issue can affect sperm motility, meaning that sperm might not be able to move efficiently to fertilize an egg.
Infections
Certain infections can interfere with sperm health and production. Here are common infections that can lead to infertility in men:
• Epididymitis: This infection is the inflammation of the epididymis that enables sperms to move from the testes to the vas. Bacteria and STDs like gonorrhea cause epididymitis and affect sperm motility.
• Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma is an infection caused by bacteria. Once the sperm gets infected, motility can reduce and result in male infertility.
• Mumps: Mumps can lead to enlarged lymph nodes under or near the jawline. This infection can cause swollen testicles, which might contribute to hampered sperm production.
• Chlamydia: Chlamydia is an infection that leads to swollen testicles and pain when urinating. When untreated, it can lead to scarring, which obstructs the passage of sperm.
Specific infections like mumps can result in permanent testicular damage. Seeking early treatment might help avoid this risk.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Tobacco use and alcohol are risk factors that could interfere with sperm health and quality. These substances release toxins that can hamper sperm motility.
Excessive consumption of alcohol can reduce the testosterone levels required for sperm production. Too much alcohol tends to lead to erectile dysfunction, which can lower the chances of fertilizing an egg. Excessive drinking can cause liver disease that can affect sperm production.
Heavy smoking can be associated with reduced sperm count. Secondhand smoke could affect male fertility.
Medications and Drugs
Certain drugs or medications can affect male fertility. Alpha-blockers can inhibit ejaculation. Chemotherapy medications tend to decrease sperm production. Long-term opioid use can cause low testosterone and low sperm quality.
Medications used for treating the following health issues can affect male fertility:
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• Depression or anxiety
• Arthritis
• Digestive issues
Overreliance on recreational drugs like cocaine and marijuana can lead to fertility issues in men. These drugs can reduce sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology (abnormal sperm shape).
Antibodies
A male’s system can make antibodies that attack sperms. Antibodies can be made due to an infection, injury, or surgery. Anti-sperm antibodies might mistake sperms as unwanted invaders and try to eliminate them. This issue can lead to immunological infertility, making it hard for couples to have a child.
Such antibodies can affect sperm movement, making it difficult for sperm to move to the fallopian tube and fertilize an egg. These anti-sperm antibodies might damage or kill a targeted sperm.
Ejaculation Issues
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen goes into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis. This ejaculation problem can result from:
• Surgery of the urethra, bladder, or prostate
• Diabetes
• Spinal injuries
• Certain medications like antidepressants
A common symptom of retrograde ejaculation can be little or no semen. When semen isn’t released out of the penis, it can fail to reach the vagina and the fallopian tubes.
Weight Problems
Being underweight or obese can affect male fertility. These weight problems might lead to low or no sperm production. Obese and underweight men can have abnormally shaped sperms that might not fertilize the egg.
Weight challenges can affect the sperm’s ability to swim or move. High body fat can lower testosterone levels and impair sperm production. Unhealthy weight tends to reduce sperm density and quality by lowering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone helps control sperm production and sustain mature sperm.
Get Help at One of the Top Infertility Clinics
Health issues, medications, drugs, and lifestyle factors can affect male fertility. Visiting one of the top infertility clinics can help diagnose the issue. The path to parenthood can be personal and emotional, but you can get quality fertility treatment.