Male Infertility

Among all observed infertility types in couples, male factor infertility contributes to more than one-third of infertility cases. Initially, male infertility might be rather hard to detect. The complete medical history of the patient is taken into consideration and blood tests and semen analysis may be performed. Depending on the complications, either surgical or non-surgical intervention may work when it comes to curing male infertility. In such a scenario, assisted reproductive techniques may also be used as an alternative method of childbirth.

What are the common causes of male infertility:

The root cause of a man's infertility may not be easy to establish. For up to 50% of men diagnosed with male factor infertility, the specific cause remains unknown. Generally, male fertility problems have to do with the quantity or quality of the sperm, though there can also be issues with ejaculation. While the reasons for these problems are often unclear, most of the treatment options remain the same whatever the underlying cause may be. Some of the more common causes include:

• Pre-existing genetic conditions.
• Hormone disorders.
• Injury to the groin area.
• Previous surgeries, such as hernia repair or vasectomy.
• Previous infections, especially STDs, urinary tract infections or a severe mumps infection after puberty.
• Exposure to poisonous chemicals or radiation (most common in cancer survivors.)

There are also certain lifestyle choices which may impact a man's fertility, such as wearing tight or restrictive underwear or using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.