24/09/2024
MALE INFERTILITY
This week we will look more into MALE INFERTILITY.
Are you suffering form male infertility?
Here are some causes you should be aware of;
1.Varicocele.
A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Although the exact reason that varicoceles cause infertility is unknown, it might be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. Varicoceles result in reduced quality of the s***m.
2. Infection.
Some infections can interfere with s***m production or s***m health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of s***m. These include inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis) and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage, most often s***m can still be retrieved.
3. Ej*******on problems.
Retrograde ej*******on occurs when semen enters the bladder during or**sm instead of emerging out of the tip of the p***s. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ej*******on or lack of ej*******on, including diabetes, spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra.
4. Medications.
Certain medications also might result ejaculatory problems, such as blood pressure medications known as alpha blockers. Some ejaculatory problems can be reversed, while others are permanent. In most cases of permanent ej*******on problems, s***m can still be retrieved directly from the testicles.
5.Tumors.
Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors also can affect male fertility.
6.Undescended testicles.
During fetal development one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (sc***um). Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.
7.Hormone imbalances.
The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create s***m. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal gland, may impair s***m production.
Defects of tubules that transport s***m. Many different tubes carry s***m. They can be blocked due to various causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, prior infections, trauma or abnormal development, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.
8.Blockage can occur at any level, including within the testicle, in the tubes that drain the testicle, in the epididymis, in the vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts or in the urethra.
9.Chromosome defects.
Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome.
10.Celiac disease.
A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
11.Certain medications.
Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, some ulcer medications, and other medications can impair s***m production and decrease male fertility.
12.Prior surgeries.
Certain surgeries might prevent you from having s***m in your ej*****te, including vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and re**al cancers, among others. In most cases, surgery can be performed to either reverse these blockages or to retrieve s***m directly from the epididymis and testicles.
13. Environmental causes
S***m production or function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental elements, including:
14.Industrial chemicals.
Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead might contribute to low s***m counts.
15.Heavy metal exposure.
Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also can cause infertility.
16.Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce s***m production. It can take several years for s***m production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, s***m production can be permanently reduced.
17.Overheating the testicles.
Elevated temperatures impair s***m production and function. Although studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or hot tubs might temporarily impair s***m count.
18.Sitting for long periods.
Wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time also might increase the temperature in your sc***um and slightly reduce s***m production.
19.Health, lifestyle and other causes
Other causes of low s***m count include:
20Drug use.
Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and s***m production to decrease. Use of co***ne or ma*****na might reduce the number and quality of your s***m as well.
21.Alcohol use.
Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased s***m production.
22.Occupation.
Certain occupations might be linked with a risk of infertility, including welding or those associated with prolonged sitting, such as truck driving. However, the data to support these associations is inconsistent.
23. Emotional stress.
Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility, might interfere with hormones needed to produce s***m.
24.Depression.
Being depressed may negatively affect s***m concentration.
25. Weight.
Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting s***m and by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
PREVENTION
To protect your fertility, avoid known factors that can affect s***m count and quality. For example:
Don't smoke.
Limit or abstain from alcohol.
Steer clear of illicit drugs.
Talk to your doctor about medications that can affect s***m count.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid heat.
Manage stress.
Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
