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