Infertility affects many couples and is often assumed to be solely a female issue but both partners can contribute to difficulty in conception. Male infertility is a factor in nearly 50% of infertility cases.

Despite this, many men think that infertility is a female problem and are reluctant to seek medical advice. In this article, we will explore the causes of male infertility and how to prevent it.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility results in a man’s inability to fertilize a female’s egg. The infertility can arise from issues in one or both of the partners and numerous factors can contribute.

Causes of Male Infertility:

1. Low Sperm Count:

A low sperm count is a common cause of male infertility. This is typically defined as less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

There can be many reasons for a low sperm count including hormonal imbalances, testicular infections, varicoceles, and exposure to toxic chemicals, among others.

2. Abnormal Sperm Shape or Motility:

Sperm that don’t have the correct shape and/or motility won’t be able to travel to the female’s egg and fertilize it. Common reasons for this issue include genetics, illness, injury or environmental factors.

In some cases, abnormal sperm function can also be related to certain medications and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

3. Blockages:

Blockages in the man’s reproductive system can prevent sperm from being ejaculated. Sometimes, blockages can be from birth or as a result of infections or surgeries.

4. Ejaculation Issues:

Ejaculatory disorders such as retrograde ejaculation or premature ejaculation can lead to male infertility. Retrograde ejaculation happens where the semen is redirected to the bladder instead of being expelled outside the body.

Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, is ejaculation that occurs shortly after sexual activity begins and before the man is ready.

Prevention Strategies for Male Infertility:

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help decrease the risk of male infertility. Men should also avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, or drug use as these can all cause damage to reproductive systems and sperm.

2. Prioritize Safe Sex:

Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility in men by interfering with the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Men should practice safe sex and use appropriate protection methods.

3. Limit Exposure to Environmental Hazards:

Exposure to harmful chemicals, radiations, and heavy metals can decrease sperm count and damage sperm function. Men should avoid exposure to toxic chemicals in their environment, which can lead to male infertility.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups:

It is always important to have regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to identify any potential issues that could lead to infertility.

A healthcare provider can diagnose and give options for treatment if they detect any potential issues with an individual’s fertility.

5. Manage Chronic Conditions:

Men with chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension have a higher risk of male infertility. It is essential to manage these conditions and ensure that they are under control as they can lead to fertility issues.

6. Reduce Stress:

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on male fertility levels. Stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can interfere with sperm production.

Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help to lower stress levels thereby improving fertility.

Conclusion:

Infertility affects many couples and is often misconstrued as a female issue. However, male infertility is a significant factor, and it affects nearly 50% of infertility cases.

Various factors contribute to male infertility, including low sperm counts, abnormal sperm shape and motility, blockages, ejaculation issues, among others. Fortunately, with the right measures, steps can be taken to manage or prevent these issues and increase male fertility.

Men should adopt a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress levels, practice safe sex, limit exposure to environmental hazards, manage chronic conditions, and get regular check-ups to identify and manage any potential fertility issues.