Men are broadly classified as infertile primarily owing to two conditions – a) when there is no sperm produced at all and b) when there is a problem in transmitting the sperm. This is one of the reasons why a few men find it difficult to contribute to the process of conception – which of course remains a natural experience for most couples. Don’t get us wrong! Infertility today is a widespread problem. In fact, reports suggest that when it comes to one in five childless couples, the problem lies with the male partner and not the female. It has also been estimated that one in every twenty men has some or the other issues related to fertility. The problem arises when men produce low sperm or the quality of the sperm thus produced is poor.
The very obvious next step (if the couple is unable to conceive) is to seek the benefits of infertility treatment for men and for women. However, it needs to be remembered that there is no dominant or rather “surefire” symptom of male infertility to be traced. Even if men are infertile, intercourse, erections and ejaculation happen naturally. What more?
Even the quantity of semen thus produced appears sufficient to the naked eye!! So, one can only understand that proper diagnosis only happens after medical tests.
The most discussed causes of male infertility have been listed below:
Let us tell you that there aren’t one but several reasons behind male infertility. Only when you are undergoing reliable infertility treatment for men can you actually be sure of what exactly is acting as the “trigger” in this case.
Problems in production of sperm
- Infections
- Genetic causes
- Failure of testes to descend at birth
- Radiation damage
- Varicocele (Varicose veins of the testes)
- Torsion
- Side effects of medicines or chemicals
- Other unknown causes
Erection and ejaculation problems (Sexual Problems)
- Prostrate surgery
- Inability to ejaculate
- Side effects of medicines
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infrequent intercourse
- Damage of nerves
- Premature ejaculation
- Spinal cord injury
- Erectile dysfunction
Problems in sperm transport
- Blockage
- Vasectomy
- Absence of vas deferens
- Problems related to prostrate
Hormonal Problems
- Pituitary problem right from birth
- Pituitary tumors
- Steroid abuse
Sperm antibodies
- Infection in the epidermis (or an injury here)
- Vasectomy
- Other unknown causes
Are you consulting the right doctor?
Needless to say, the infertility specialist you are consulting at present plays an instrumental role in governing your chances of addressing your problem with success. It is very important on your end to conduct research on the skills and background of both the clinic and the specialist who you will be consulting.
Methods like in-vitro fertilization or sperm donation might as well be suggested but let us tell you that no doctor can tell you that these processes are infallible- because they are not. It’s your doctor who will tell you in details about the chances of success in this regard.