Male Infertility: Causes and treatment

Most times, the issue of infertility is only attributed to females neglecting the fact that males are not exempted. 

Talking of "INFERTILITY" according to WHO, it is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, which is defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. This affects millions of people who are of reproductive age globally and has an impact on their families and the community at large.

Causes of Male Infertility

Infertility in both males and females could be caused by many factors. However, it is sometimes impossible to explain the cause of infertility.

Below are some causes of male infertility:

1. Abnormal sperm quality and function

                                      

Source: https://ln.run/SjgJC

Activities such as smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, consistent use of hard drugs, and the use of anabolic steroids can affect the shape, quality, count and motility of the sperm, thereby, leading to infertility.

2. Hormonal disorders

Disorders such as pituitary and testicular cancers result to abnormalities in the production of hormones by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles. This could affect the sperm and will likely result to infertility.

3. Obstruction of the reproductive tract

Source: Men's care clinics

This condition could lead to dysfunctionalities of the ejection of semen. These blockages that can occur in tubes carrying semen (such as ejaculatory ducts or seminal vesicles) are common as a result of infections or injuries to the genital tracts.

4. Failure of the testicles to produce sperm

Varicoceles or medical treatments (such as chemotherapy) cause impairment to sperm-producing cells, which eventually leads to infertility. 

Treatments for Male Infertility

Oftentimes, the exact cause of infertility can not be traced. But, the doctor might be able to recommend treatments or procedures that will be before conception.

- Treating infections

Treatment of infections using antibiotics might cure infections of the reproductive tract but does not always restore fertility. Sometimes, medication and counselling can help improve fertility in cases such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

- Hormone treatment and medications

In cases where infertility is caused by low or high production of certain hormones, the doctor might recommend hormone replacement or medications for such individuals.

- Surgery

Problems with the varicocele can be corrected surgically, or an obstructed vas deferens can be repaired as well. In some cases where no sperms are present in the ejaculate, sperms can often be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis through sperm retrieval techniques.

- Assisted reproductive technology

This treatment involves obtaining sperm through normal ejaculation, surgically extracted or donated by individuals. These sperm obtained are then inserted into the female genital tract, or used to perform in-vitro fertilization.

In cases of infertility, it is advised that the female partner be checked as there may be specific treatments recommended for your partner too. 

Remember, never go on self-medication. Always visit your doctor should the need arise.