Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after actively trying to do so for a year or more. While infertility can affect both men and women, there exists a common misconception that infertility is primarily a women’s health issue.

In reality, male infertility is the culprit in roughly half of all cases of failed conception.

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to impregnate a fertile female, or the inability to produce healthy sperm. This can be caused by many different factors. In this article, we will discuss the top underlying causes of male infertility.

1. Low sperm count

The number of sperm a man releases during intercourse (sperm count) is a crucial factor in successful conception. If the sperm count is low, the chances of fertilization decrease.

A normal sperm count is anywhere from 15 million to over 200 million per milliliter of semen. Anything below 15 million is considered low, and decreases the odds of conception.

A low sperm count can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as:.

Varicocele (swelling of the veins that drain the testicle)
Infection
Medication or drug use
Hormonal imbalances
Environmental toxins (such as pesticides or lead)

2. Poor sperm motility

Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to swim and move effectively towards the egg. Poor sperm motility increases the chances of infertility, as the sperm may not be able to reach the egg to fertilize it.

A normal sperm motility ranges from 40 to 81%. Anything below this threshold is considered poor sperm motility.

Poor sperm motility can be caused by factors such as:.

Bacterial infection
Structural abnormalities of the sperm
Exposure to radiation or chemicals
Hormonal imbalances

3. Ejaculatory problems

Ejaculatory problems can make impregnation difficult or impossible.

Premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (when semen goes into the bladder instead of out of the penis), and anejaculation (no ejaculation at all) can all contribute to male infertility. These disorders can be caused by factors such as:.

Nerve damage
Surgery
Medication side effects
Chronic diseases (such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis)

4. Genetic factors

Some cases of male infertility are caused by genetic abnormalities, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletions. These disorders can affect sperm production and quality, and can lower the chances of impregnation.

5. Structural abnormalities

Obstructions or structural abnormalities in the reproductive system can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Common abnormalities include varicocele, undescended testicles, blockages in the ejaculatory ducts, and cystic fibrosis.

6. Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to male infertility. These include:.

Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Drug use
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Obesity

These factors can negatively affect sperm count, motility, and quality.

7. Age

Like women, men’s fertility decreases with age. After age 40, men’s sperm count and quality start to decline. This makes conception more difficult and increases the risk of infertility.

8. Medical conditions

Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems can contribute to male infertility. These conditions can affect sperm production and quality, making conception more difficult.

9. Medications

Some medications can affect male fertility. Steroids, chemotherapy drugs, antifungal medications, and some antidepressants can all lower sperm count or quality.

If you’re trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about whether your medication regimen could be contributing to infertility.

10. Stress

Stress can affect the body in many ways, including fertility. Stress hormones can interfere with sperm production and quality, making conception more difficult.

If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, consider talking to a therapist or implementing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga into your routine.

Conclusion

Male infertility is a common issue that affects millions of men around the world. While it can be caused by many factors, there are steps men can take to boost fertility and increase the chances of successful conception.

These steps include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use, and seeking treatment for underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to infertility.