Introduction
Male Infertility (subfertility) is the condition in which a male is unable to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile woman. Male partner is responsible for infertility in about 40% of couples. The main factors causing male infertility are
- Poor Quality of the Semen
- Ejaculatory Dysfunction
Reproduction is a natural process for most couples. However, for few couples, it is very difficult to conceive. A man’s fertility depends on the quantity and quality of the sperm.In case of a man having a low sperm count or a poor quality of sperm, it is difficult for him to conceive positively. In case of infertility, male infertility accounts for almost 40-50 % of infertility. It affects approximately 7% of all men.
Forms of Male Infertility
- Semen quality abnormalities like-oligozoospermia / asthenozoospermia / teratozoospermia / azoospermia
- Ejaculatory dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
Causes of Male Infertility
- Life style
- Medical management
- Surgical intervention
In general, fertility reflects the overall health of a man. If men live a healthy lifestyle then they are most likely to produce healthy sperms and can easily achieve pregnancy in fertile women. Few reasons for the above mentioned conditions can be observed due to hormonal imbalance, physical problems or psychological problems. The lifestyle habits described below have the negative effect on male fertility. To lead a healthy life with less fertility complications it is advisable to strictly avoid them.
- Smoking - significantly decreases both sperm count and sperm cell motility
- Drugs & Alcohol- Prolonged use of recreational drugs, marijuana or chronic alcohol abuse
- Steroid - Use of steroid causing testicular shrinkage
- Over Exercise Routine- Excessive intense exercise, producing high levels of adrenal hormones leading to testosterone deficiency resulting in infertility
- Inadequate intake of vitamin C and Zinc in the diet
- Exposure to environmental hazards and toxins such as pesticides, lead, paint, radiation, radioactive substances and more
- Malnutrition
- Stress
Treatments
Treating Infection
Antibiotic treatment may cure an infection of the reproductive tract, but doesn't always restore fertility.
Treatment for sexual intercourse problems
Medication or counselling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Hormone treatment and medication
The doctor may recommend hormone replacement or medication in cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones.
Varicocele surgery
In few cases, no sperms are present in the ejaculation and hence, in such conditions, sperms are retrieved directly from the testicles.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
ART treatments involve obtaining sperm through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or from donor individuals, depending on your specific case and wishes. The sperm is then inserted into the female genital tract, or used to perform in vitro fertilization or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.
