Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected sex. While sometimes assumed to be a female issue, infertility also affects men.

Infertility affects approximately one in every six couples in the United States, affecting both men and women equally. Male infertility can be caused by various factors, from physical issues to lifestyle factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about male infertility, its causes, how it’s diagnosed, and how it can be treated.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. It refers to a man’s inability to impregnate a woman or to get his partner pregnant. There are several potential causes of male infertility, which can include:.

Low sperm count
Abnormal sperm shape or motility
Hormonal imbalances
Genetic factors
Infections
Injuries or other physical problems in the reproductive system
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption

Diagnosing Male Infertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it may be time to see a doctor who specializes in fertility. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask for a detailed medical history to help diagnose male infertility.

Your doctor may also ask for a semen analysis to evaluate your sperm count, shape, and motility. Other tests may include:.

Blood tests to check hormone levels
Ultrasound to examine the reproductive system
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing
Testicular biopsy
Cystic fibrosis gene mutation testing

Common Causes of Male Infertility

Low Sperm Count

A low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility. Sperm counts can be affected by a variety of factors, including:.

Infections
Obstruction or blockage of the reproductive system
Genetic factors
Varicocele, which is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle
Hormonal imbalances
Exposure to toxic substances
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Abnormal Sperm Shape or Motility

Abnormal sperm shape or motility can also cause male infertility. Sperm motility refers to how well the sperm can swim and make it to the egg. Abnormalities in sperm shape can reduce the sperm’s ability to penetrate the egg.

These abnormalities can be caused by various factors, including:.

Infections
Genetic factors
Exposure to toxic substances
Varicocele

Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to male infertility. Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin all play a role in sperm production. If there are imbalances in these hormones, it can lead to male infertility.

Hormonal imbalances can be caused by conditions such as:.

Hypogonadism
Pituitary disorders
Thyroid disorders
Adrenal gland disorders

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors can contribute to male infertility. Genetic disorders can cause problems with sperm production or block the transport of sperm from the testes. Conditions that can be caused by genetic factors include:.

Klinefelter syndrome
Cystic fibrosis
Y chromosome deletions
Microdeletions

Infections

Infections can also cause male infertility. Infections can damage the reproductive system and affect sperm production. Infections that can cause male infertility include:.

Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Prostatitis
Epididymitis

Injuries or Physical Problems in the Reproductive System

Injuries or other physical problems in the reproductive system can also cause male infertility. These can include:.

Varicocele
Undescended testicles
Hydrocele
Retractile testicles
Testicular torsion
Blockages in the vas deferens

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can also play a role in male infertility. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can all contribute to male infertility. Other lifestyle factors that can affect fertility include:.

Poor diet
Obesity
Stress
Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment for Male Infertility

Treatment for male infertility depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Some treatment options include:.

Medications

Medications can be used to treat hormonal imbalances, infections, and other underlying conditions that can cause male infertility.

These can include antibiotics to treat infections, hormonal therapy to balance hormones, and antioxidants to improve sperm quality.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to correct physical problems in the reproductive system that can cause male infertility. Surgery can be used to correct varicoceles, blockages in the reproductive system, and undescended testicles.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Assisted reproductive technology can help couples who are struggling with male infertility. ART treatments can include:.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Conclusion

Male infertility can be a complex condition with a variety of causes. If you’re struggling with infertility, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

A healthcare professional can help diagnose and treat underlying conditions that may be contributing to infertility. With the right treatment, male infertility can often be overcome, allowing couples the chance to start a family.