Causes of male infertility
There are many causes of male infertility, and in many cases, the cause is unknown. Some of the more common causes of male infertility include:
problems with the sperm production process, such as a low sperm count or poor sperm quality
blockages in the reproductive tract that prevent sperm from getting to the egg
hormone imbalances that affect sperm production or sexual function
genetic abnormalities that can cause infertility
infections in the reproductive tract
physical problems with the penis or testicles that affect sperm production or movement
In some cases, male infertility may be caused by lifestyle factors, such as:
smoking
drinking alcohol
using drugs
being overweight or obese
leading a sedentary lifestyle
Some medical treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, can also cause infertility in men.
Treatment of male infertility
Male factor accounts to about a third of all infertility cases. This may be due to a number of factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. Treatment of male infertility often involves a combination of therapies, including antibiotics to clear any infection, surgery to correct any anatomical abnormalities, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help conceive. Many couples are able to conceive with treatment for male infertility. If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, be sure to talk to your doctor about your options.
Conclusion
Though infertility is often thought of as a woman's problem, male infertility is actually quite common. There are a number of things that can cause male infertility, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. Fortunately, most cases of male infertility can be treated, so don't despair if you're having trouble conceiving. There are plenty of options available to you.