The causes of male infertility
Male infertility is often caused by sperm abnormalities in male. Abnormality in sperm production or function may cause chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, resulting in a non-viable pregnancy which would eventually lead to a miscarriage.
Factors affecting sperm production and semen quality:
- Enlargement of the veins in the scrotum (testicles)
- Infection (e.g: inflammation of the epididymis or testicles and some sexually transmitted diseases)
- Antisperm antibodies (produced by own immune system, attack and eliminate own sperm)
- Tumors that affect male reproductive organs directly
- Cryptorchidism (one or both testes are not present within the scrotum)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Chromosomal abnormalities/defects (e.g: Klinefelter’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Kallmann’s syndrome)
- Celiac disease (digestive disorder)
- Certain medication (e.g: Testosterone replacement therapy, long term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications, etc)
Factors affecting semen ejaculation:
- Defect / blockage of the tubules that transport sperm (eg: blockage in the epididymis, or vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts or in the urethra)
- Ejaculation dysfunction (E.g: Premature ejaculation – ejaculation happens too soon, Delayed ejaculation – ejaculation happens too late, Retrograde ejaculation – semen containing sperm enters the bladder instead of ejaculating out)
- Erectile dysfunction (unable to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse)
- Decrease in sexual desire (Low libido / sex drive)
Environmental factors:
- Pesticides exposure
- Exposure to heavy metals
- Radiation or X-ray exposure
- Expose testicles to elevated temperature (E.g: Frequent use of saunas or soaking in hot baths, working on a laptop and placing it on your lap, etc)
Social / Lifestyle factors:
- Drug use (E.g: Anabolic steroids that increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance)
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco smoking
- Obesity
- Age
