Talking about male infertility or sterility can be difficult for many men, as it challenges certain traditional ideas and social expectations. However, it’s more common than most people think and affects a significant amount of the male population worldwide. Understanding this topic is the first step in addressing it appropriately and improving the chances of having a child.
What is Male Infertility and Why Does It Happen?
Male infertility, or sterility, refers to the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected sex. Sperm quality plays a crucial role in this, and factors like sperm count, motility (movement ability), and morphology (shape) all directly influence the outcome.
Many factors can affect sperm quality, such as lifestyle, exposure to toxins, underlying health problems, and even genetics. Chronic stress, poor diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to chemicals in the environment can also impact male fertility.
Male Infertility Rates
According to a study published by Science Direct, the male factor is the cause of infertility in 20% of couples. In comparison, in another 50% of cases, it contributes to infertility alongside a female factor.
This aligns with the fact that sperm quality has decreased globally over the past few decades. Lower sperm counts and reduced motility are linked to environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and the rising stress levels in society today. Science continues to investigate this trend and its exact causes, but it is becoming increasingly clear that evaluating male fertility is vital when looking for reasons why a pregnancy has not occurred.
Common Conditions That Affect Male Fertility
Several medical conditions can cause male infertility. Some of the most common include:
- Semen abnormalities: This includes diagnoses like oligospermia, referring to low sperm concentration in the semen sample; teratozoospermia, which indicates a high number of sperm with abnormal morphology; azoospermia, a condition where no sperm is present in the sample; and asthenozoospermia, where sperm movement is impaired.
- Varicocele: The dilation of veins within the scrotum, which can impact sperm production.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases or reproductive tract infections can damage ducts or affect sperm quality.
- Hormonal disorders: Imbalances in male sex hormones that impact sperm production.
- Genetic issues: Genetic mutations that may affect sperm production or function.
Identifying and treating these issues is key to improving the chances of conception.
How to know when to seek help
Although male infertility may be difficult to detect without specialized testing, there are some symptoms you can watch for:
- Difficulty achieving pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex.
- Changes in sexual function, such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction.
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicular region.
- A history of health problems, recurrent infections, or surgeries in the genital area.
If you’ve experienced any of these signs and are trying to start a family, it’s best to consult with one of our fertility specialists for a complete evaluation.
Which treatments are available for you?
The first step is a diagnosis. To do this, we’ll conduct a Direct Sperm Analysis or Seminogram, a specific test where you’ll need to provide a semen sample after a period of abstinence ranging from 2 to 7 days. We then send this sample to the Andrology laboratory, where it is evaluated according to quality standards set by the World Health Organization, which include viscosity, volume, color, pH, concentration, motility, and morphology, among other indicators.
Based on the results, the recommended treatment will be determined. Some options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Improving your diet, reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can positively affect sperm quality.
- Medical treatment: If infections are present, antibiotics may be prescribed, while hormonal imbalances can be treated with hormone therapy.
- Surgery: In cases of varicocele or blockages in sperm ducts, surgery may be a solution.
- Assisted Reproduction: When conventional treatments are not effective, options like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may help achieve conception.
Take Control of Your Fertility
At Nascere, we understand that discussing fertility remains a sensitive topic in many social circles, especially when it comes to male fertility. However, we believe that changing this perspective and talking openly about fertility can help men get the support they need. Male fertility is an important issue and should be addressed with the right tools.
If you’ve noticed signs of infertility or have concerns about your fertility, consult a Reproductive Specialist to explore your options.