Determining Causes of Male Infertility

Determining Causes of Male Infertility

Knowing the different types of causes for male infertility can help in better understanding and treatment.

Pre-existing problems such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm can cause fertility issues in men.

Below are a few reasons that cause infertility in men.

1. Azoospermia: One of the main causes of infertility in males. It is a medical condition where there is no sperm present in the semen. It is caused due to the following reasons

· A blockage or infection in the reproductive tracts

· Absence of sperm production due to hormonal problems or issues with testicular structure or function

· Ejaculation problems – premature ejaculation, low semen volume

2. Sometimes, sperms are malformed; they may die even before they reach the egg.

3. Congenital abnormalities: Birth defects like Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas deferens (CBAVD), Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), blockage in the sperm tubes, and developmental disorders of genito-urinary tract might cause infertility in men.

4. Acquired causes like Varicocele (swollen veins within the scrotum), Tuberculosis of the genital tract, and cysts in the tubes.

5. Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions such as Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and Y chromosome deletion, etc.

6. Viral infections like mumps, HIV, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus, etc.

7. Cancer of the testicles, prostate, and bladder. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer.

8. Conditions like Hypogonadism, Hyperprolactinemia, etc. due to hormonal imbalances.

9. Retrograde ejaculation: A condition wherein semen goes into the bladder.

10. Reactions to certain medications.

11. Conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension, kidney failure, etc.

12. Trauma or injury to the reproductive organs.