Male infertility is a common issue affecting around 7% of all men. The condition refers to a man’s inability to impregnate his female partner after a year of trying without any form of birth control.
Male infertility can be caused by several factors ranging from genetic conditions to lifestyle habits. However, the initial signs and symptoms of male infertility are not always visible or noticeable.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is one of the initial signs of male infertility. Men who are unable to have an erection or experience difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse could be suffering from male infertility.
While this condition is not always associated with infertility, it can lead to fertility problems in some cases.
2. Decreased Sexual Drive
A decrease in sexual drive is another symptom of male infertility. Men who are losing interest in sex or rarely have sexual intercourse may suffer from infertility issues. A man’s ability to produce sperm is closely related to his sexual drive.
Therefore, a decrease in libido may be caused by low sperm motility or count.
3. Low Sperm Count
Low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility. Men with low sperm count often produce less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, reducing the chances of impregnating their partner.
Low sperm count can be caused by factors such as poor lifestyle choices, obesity, and exposure to toxic chemicals that affect the production of sperm.
4. Abnormal Sperm Shape and Movement
A significant percentage of male infertility cases are caused by abnormal sperm shape and movement. Sperm shape abnormalities, such as bent or pointed heads, can prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg during conception.
In addition, a decrease in sperm motility, which is the ability of sperm to swim towards the egg, may reduce the chances of conception.
5. Pain or Discomfort during Ejaculation
Men who experience pain or discomfort during ejaculation may suffer from male infertility.
Pain during ejaculation may be caused by several factors such as prostate or testicular infections, blockages in the reproductive tract, or congenital abnormalities, which can all lead to infertility.
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6. Testicular Swelling or Lump
Testicular swellings or lumps can be a sign of male infertility. While not all lumps indicate infertility, cancerous testicular lumps can reduce sperm production or cause testicular shrinkage, leading to infertility in some cases.
Men who notice unusual growths should seek medical attention immediately for early detection and treatment.
7. Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Recurrent respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia can cause male infertility. These infections can lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and testicles, leading to reduced sperm production and poor sperm quality.
8. Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone levels can cause male infertility. Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle mass and the growth of body hair.
Low testosterone levels can lead to low sperm count, decreased libido, and an inability to have an erection.
9. Chronic Medical Conditions
Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders can cause male infertility. These conditions often lead to hormonal imbalances, which can affect a man’s fertility.
Men with chronic medical conditions should seek appropriate treatment and management to reduce the risk of infertility.
10. Varicocele
Varicocele is an abnormal swelling of the veins in the scrotum, which can cause male infertility. The condition can lead to an increase in testicular temperature and reduced sperm motility and count.
In severe cases, varicocele can cause testicular atrophy and permanent infertility.
Male infertility is a common issue that affects men of all ages. While the symptoms are not always apparent, early detection is vital in preventing irreversible damage to the reproductive system.
Men who experience any of the above signs and symptoms should seek medical attention and treatment to improve their chances of conception.
