Introduction
Male infertility is the inability of a man to get his partner pregnant. Many men feel ashamed, worried or depressed when they are unable to impregnate their partners despite having unprotected sex for over a year. Did you know that at least one out of every five couples struggles with fertility issues? Of the couples who experience trouble getting pregnant, about 40% are due to the male’s infertility issues and another 40% are due to the female’s problems. The remaining 20% of cases have no known cause. While many people think infertility is more common in women, the male partner is solely responsible for infertile couples in about 20-30% of cases and has a significant role in 50-60%.
Early signs of infertility in men
If you’re concerned about infertility, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Although there are many causes of male infertility, some can be treated and reversed with the proper care. Your doctor may also be able to give you advice on how to increase your chances of conception through exercise and diet changes, which can help increase sperm quality.
Factors contributing to infertility in men
In order to diagnose and treat male infertility correctly, you must understand the most common causes of infertility in men. The following factors can contribute to a man’s inability to conceive:
- Age – As men age, their sperm count decreases and their chances of conceiving naturally decrease as well. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), men should begin seeing an infertility specialist if they’re 40 years old or older. The AUA also recommends that younger couples with a female partner who is 35 years or older consult with an infertility specialist if they have been trying unsuccessfully for more than a year.
- Smoking – Smoking reduces sperm count in men by as much as 30% according to studies published in Fertility & Sterility journal in 1996. Research conducted by Harvard School of Public Health showed that men who smoke have 10% lower fertility rates than those who do not smoke (HSPH). If you want to keep your family planning options open later on down the road, quitting smoking now will help ensure better success rates when it comes time for conception later on down the line!
- Alcohol consumption – Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol has been associated with decreased testosterone levels which affects male fertility and impairs sperm production (NIH). In fact some studies show that high amounts of alcohol consumption can cause permanent damage so we recommend staying away from all things alcoholic!
Treatment options for male infertility
There are several different treatment options for male infertility, including:
- IVF (in-vitro fertilization)
- ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
- TESE (testicular sperm extraction)
- TESA (testicular biopsy with aspiration).
There are many underlying causes of male infertility and there are effective treatment options.
Male infertility is a growing problem, with one in six men facing this challenge. The causes of male infertility include:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm quality
- Varicocele (swollen veins around the testicles)
- Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)
- Hormone imbalances/defects
In most cases, male fertility can be improved through medical treatment or surgery. There are also lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your chances of getting pregnant. These include quitting smoking and alcohol consumption and losing weight if you have a high body mass index (BMI). Some medications may also affect your ability to conceive naturally; talk to your doctor about alternatives if necessary.
Conclusion
While there are many different causes of infertility in men, it does not make the situation any less daunting. There is no need for a man to feel embarrassed about going to see a doctor. Many times, the solutions can be quite simple and the couple will be able to enjoy the bundles of joy they have been waiting for. If you are struggling with infertility, it is encouraged that you visit your doctor sooner rather than later so they can help you find out what’s causing this problem and provide effective treatment options.
Consult with us at Irene IVF Centre regarding male infertility, we are here to help you. For Consultation Call Us : +91-9810840455, 011 4155 1917 or email Us :- ireneivfcentre@gmail.com