Infertility may be defined as the inability of couples to conceive a child even after trying for a year or more. It is an alarming issue in today’s society, with millions of couples experiencing infertility every year.

While there are several causes of infertility, including a range of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the problem, male infertility is something that doesn’t get much attention. However, it is equally important to be aware of the factors that weaken male sperm and cause infertility.

Ageing

As men age, their ability to father a child decreases and so does the quality and quantity of their sperm. In fact, research has shown that as a man turns 40, a decline in the quantity and quality of his sperm becomes noticeable.

As men grow older, they may experience a decrease in their sexual abilities, and this may be accompanied by a decrease in the number of live sperm produced.

Smoking and substance abuse

Smoking is one of the important factors that weaken male sperm and cause a decline in fertility. Studies have found that tobacco use can affect sperm motility and morphology, as well as the number and quality of sperm.

Substance abuse, particularly of alcohol and marijuana, has also been shown to cause male infertility. These substances can lead to hormonal imbalances and stunt the growth of testicular tissue, thus impacting the quality and quantity of sperm produces.

Obesity

Obesity is another contributing factor to male infertility. Being obese causes an increase in testicular temperature which leads to a decrease in sperm production and quality, thus leading to infertility.

Additionally, obesity can cause hormonal changes that affect male fertility. Men who are overweight tend to have high levels of estrogen, which can lead to low testosterone levels and poor sperm quality and quantity.

Exposure to toxins and pollutants

Exposure to chemicals, toxins, and pollutants is one of the most significant causes of male infertility. These substances are found everywhere in our environment, from our food to the air we breathe.

Pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and other chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system and affect reproductive function. Exposure to these toxins could lead to low sperm quality, low sperm count, and motility.

Stress

Stress is something that affects everyone at some point, and it impacts all areas of our lives, including our reproductive health. When a man is stressed, it can affect his hormone levels and lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of his sperm.

Chronic stress can also cause abnormalities in spermatogenesis and lead to hormonal imbalances that can decrease the overall fertility of a man.

Infections and Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Infections and sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to male infertility. Certain infections, such as prostatitis or epididymitis, can cause inflammation of the testicles and affect sperm quality and quantity.

STDs can also cause similar damage and affect the male reproductive system’s overall health.

Varicocele

Varicocele is a condition that involves the swelling of the veins in the testicles. This condition affects almost 15% of all men and can cause a decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm.

Men diagnosed with varicocele also tend to have a lower testosterone level, and the surgery to correct this condition has been shown to improve sperm quality and quantity.

Medications

Certain medications can affect the reproductive function of males and cause male infertility. For instance, cancer drugs, steroids, and other hormonal medications may affect the quality and quantity of sperm produced by the body.

Medications used to treat infections and hypertension have also been shown to cause male infertility.

Testicular trauma

Physical injury or trauma to the testicles can also lead to male infertility. Accidents, sports injuries, and other types of physical trauma can cause damage to the testicles and affect sperm production and quality.

A severe injury may lead to the loss of one or both testicles, which may lead to a lifelong decrease in the quantity and quality of sperm produces.

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is a condition that commonly affects newborns. In this condition, the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and instead remain in the abdominal cavity.

This condition can lead to decreased fertility or infertility because of the high internal abdominal temperature, which affects sperm production and quality.