Causes Of Male Infertility

Causes Of Male Infertility

Understanding the Other Half of the Fertility Equation

Causes Of Male Infertility are an important aspect of reproductive health that is often overlooked. Do you know that about one in seven couples face challenges with conception, and in nearly half of the cases, the problem lies with the male partner?

Causes of male infertility are often overlooked, yet they play a significant role in a couple’s ability to conceive. For many men, fertility issues only become apparent after months or even years of trying to start a family without success.

While advancements in reproductive health have provided new avenues for treatment, it’s important to first understand the root causes.

In this blog, we will get to the depths of male infertility, including the causes, identification, and treatment for the same.

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility means that a man is unable to impregnate his partner despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse over the course of a year.

Unlike women, men continuously produce sperm, but various factors, both medical and environmental, can interfere with this process.

Common Causes of Male Infertility

1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

One of the most common reasons for male infertility is a low sperm count. A sperm count of less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered low. While some men with this condition can still conceive, their chances are reduced.

Potential causes include:

  • Hormonal disturbances, such as low testosterone
  • Injury or trauma to the testicles
  • Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
  • Genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome
2. Poor Sperm Motility

Sperm need to be strong swimmers to reach and fertilize an egg. If their movement is sluggish or uncoordinated, conception becomes unlikely. Factors that affect motility include past infections, smoking, high fever, and certain medications.

3. Abnormal Sperm Shape (Morphology)

It’s not just how many sperm you produce, it’s also about how well they’re built. Misshapen sperm may struggle to reach or penetrate the egg. Poor morphology can stem from environmental exposures, health conditions, or even genetic issues.

4. Varicocele

A swelling of veins in the scrotum known as varicocele, is one of the most treatable causes of male infertility.

It can affect the scrotal function of temperature regulation, which in turn can damage sperm quality and reduce production.

5. Hormonal Imbalances

A healthy balance of hormones like testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for sperm development.

Disorders of the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland can also reduce the fertility potential.

6. Infections

Past infections, such as epididymitis or sexually transmitted infections (STD’s), can leave a lasting damage. Inflammation or scarring from these conditions may block sperm passage or reduce sperm production.

7. Ejaculatory Disorders

Retrograde ejaculation or any blockages in the reproductive tract can stop the sperm from exiting the body during intercourse.

8. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Every day choices and surroundings can impact male fertility. Key risk factors include:

  • Excess alcohol or tobacco use
  • High exposure to industrial chemicals or heavy metals
  • Frequent heat exposure from saunas, hot baths, or laptops
  • Use of anabolic steroids or specific prescription drugs
9. Chronic Health Conditions, Past Treatments, and Obesity

Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, chemotherapy, anabolic steroids, or kidney disease can interfere with hormonal regulation and semen quality. 

Obesity can also cause lower testosterone levels and reduced fertility.

Getting Diagnosed: What to Expect

If you’re experiencing difficulties conceiving, the first step in diagnosis is typically a semen analysis.

The test validates the quantity, movement, and structure of sperm. If necessary, further tests are advised.

Is Male Infertility Treatable?

In many cases, yes. Treatment can be tailored as per the cause:

  • Lifestyle adjustments: Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and limiting alcohol intake
  • Medications: Hormone therapy or antibiotics for underlying infections
  • Surgery: Correction of varicoceles or removal of blockages
  • Assisted reproductive techniques: Options like IUI, IVF, or ICSI can help couples with severe fertility issues

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if she’s over 35), it’s time to seek expert advice from the Best IVF doctor in Dubai.

Expert Support from Dr. Partha Das

Struggling with infertility can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Having over 18 years of experience, Dr. Partha Das, a leading Infertility doctor in Dubai, specializes in evaluating and treating both male and female reproductive issues. His compassionate, personalized approach has helped countless couples through the complex journey of fertility.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like low sperm count or suspect something isn’t right, don’t wait.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Partha Das and take the first step toward building the family you’ve been dreaming of.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns About Male Infertility

Sometimes symptoms like testicular pain, swelling, reduced libido, or ejaculation may be red flags.

High stress levels often disrupt the hormonal balance and reduce sperm quality.

Prolonged heat exposure around the groin region may impair sperm production, so looser clothing is generally advisable.

Not necessarily. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many men are able to regain fertility.

Sperm production can be affected by some genetic conditions. For such conditions, genetic counseling may be recommended.

image 2
Dr Partha Das

Dr Partha Das is a highly skilled fertility/IVF Physician specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr Partha consults and manages patients presenting with complex gynecological, male and female infertility issues and management of recurrent miscarriage and IVF failures.