Causes and Risk Factors for Male Infertility

Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, hormonal issues, and lifestyle habits cause male infertility, affecting nearly half of all infertility cases in couples. Understanding its causes and risk factors is the first step toward effective and better treatment, and being a parent.

The dream of having children is for many couples; however, having a baby is often harder than we anticipated. Many don't know that males are equally responsible for fertility issues; almost half of all cases of infertility can be due to male-related factors.

Male infertility causes vary from low fertility and hormonal imbalances to lifestyle practices and genetic issues. The majority of men discover the problem after they experience issues with conception.

The positive side is the fact that couples can conquer these obstacles with a timely diagnosis and the most advanced treatments. Let's look at the most common reasons and risk factors that cause male infertility and how the right treatment can assist. 

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is the male's inability to make their partner pregnant despite regular and unprotected sexual interactions for more than a year. It may be caused by issues with the production of sperm and its function. It can also be due to difficulties in the delivery of the sperm. Although it can feel overwhelming, the good news is that many causes can be addressed.

What are the 4 Causes of Male Infertility?

Whenever we talk about male infertility, there are four main causes for male infertility, which are

  • Low Sperm count: If the sperm count is lower than normal, it decreases the chance of fertilization.

  • Poor Sperm Motility: Sperm that can't swim properly may not enter the egg.

  • The shape of sperm is abnormal: (Morphology Problems) Unusual sperm shapes could hinder successful fertilization.

  • The blockage of the Reproductive Tract: Structural issues, like blocked tubes, block the sperm from being ejaculated.

Other Common Causes of Male Infertility

Apart from that 4 causes, there are other causes too: 

  • Hormonal Imbalances – Low testosterone or other hormonal disorders.
  • Infections – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or mumps in the testicles.
  • Genetic Disorders – Chromosomal disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome.
  • Lifestyle – Smoking, consuming alcohol, and using drugs
  • Environmental Exposure – Toxic substances, pesticides, radiation, and excessive heat

How to Know if You’re an Infertile Male

The question of how to know if I am an infertile man is the most common concern of a man. These are some symptoms given

  • No or reduced sexual desire
  • Pain and swelling, or lumps in the testicles of your body 
  • Decreased body or facial hair.
  • Low semen volume during ejaculation.

Risk Factors that Increase Male Infertility

Some risk Factors that affect male fertility are given below 

  • Age factor – male fertility starts declining after 40, 
  • Medical history – Surgeries, chemotherapy, or chronic conditions like diabetes.
  • Stress and irregular sleep cycles – Disturbed sleep cycle and stress affect hormone balance and sperm production.
  • Environmental toxins – Exposure to chemicals and heavy metals for a long time 

Diagnosis for Male Infertility

Doctors utilize a variety of diagnostics to determine if there are fertility issues:

  • Semen Analysis -  Analyzes motility, sperm count, and morphology.
  • Hormone Testing -  Examines testosterone levels as well as other hormones.
  • Ultrasound - Detects blockages and varicoceles within reproductive organs.
  • Genetic Testing - Examines for DNA or chromosomal abnormalities.

Treatment options for male infertility

Fortunately, there are several treatments available based on the cause:

  • Medications & Hormone Therapy – For the management of hormonal imbalance and infections.
  • Surgical Procedures – To fix a varicocele or to drain obstructions.
  • Lifestyle Changes – Balanced diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol.
  • ART– IVF, IUI, and ICSI provide high success rates for couples suffering from infertility problems.

Conclusion 

Male infertility could be a disappointment but it is not the end of your parenting journey. From low count and deformed sperm to stress and unhealthy lifestyle, there are numerous causes of fertility issues. The solution is in early detection, lifestyle modification, and a proper treatment strategy.

With a team of experienced specialists at the best IVF hospital in Delhi who ensure that every couple receives the right guidance and treatment for a successful outcome, we specialize in offering advanced fertility solutions with personalized care along with making us a trusted choice for couples seeking the best IVF treatment. Book a consultation with SCI IVF Hospital today and take the first step toward parenthood.