23/03/2022
Male Infertility: Causes and Treatments
Most times, the issue of infertility is only attributed to females neglecting the fact that, males are not exempted.
Talking of "INFERTILITY" according to WHO, it is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, which is defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual in*******se. This affects millions of people that are of reproductive age globally, and has impact on their families and the community at large.
Causes of Male Infertility
Infertility in both male and female could be caused by many factors. However, it is sometimes impossible to explain the cause of infertility.
Below are some causes of male infertility:
1. Abnormal s***m quality and function:
Activities such as smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, consistent use of hard drugs, and the use of anabolic steroids can affect the shape, quality, count and motility of the s***m, thereby, leading to infertility.
2. Hormonal disorders:
Disorders such as pituitary and testicular cancers result to abnormalities in the production of hormones by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles. This could affect the s***m and will likely result to infertility.
3. Obstruction of the reproductive tract:
This condition could lead to dysfunctionalities of the ejection of semen. These blockages that can occur in tubes carrying semen (such as ejaculatory ducts or seminal vesicles) are common as a result of infections or injuries to the ge***al tracts.
4. Failure of the testicles to produce s***m:
Varicoceles or medical treatments (such as chemotherapy) causes impairment to s***m-producing cells, which eventually leads to infertility.
Treatments for Male Infertility
Oftentimes, the exact cause of infertility can not be traced. But, the doctor might be able to recommend treatments or procedures that will be prior to conception.
- Treating infections:
Treatment of infections using antibiotics might cure infections of the reproductive tract, but does not always restore fertility. Sometimes, medication and counselling can help improve fertility in cases such as erectile dysfunction and premature ej*******on.
- Hormone treatment and medications:
In cases where infertility is caused by low or high production of certain hormones, the doctor might recommend hormone replacement or medications for such individual.
- Surgery:
Problems with the varicocele can be corrected surgically, or an obstructed vas deferens can be repaired as well. In some cases where no s***ms are present in the ej*****te, s***ms can often be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis through s***m retrieval techniques.
- Assisted reproductive technology:
This treatment involves obtaining s***m through normal ej*******on, surgically extracted or donated by individuals. These s***ms obtained are then inserted into the female ge***al tract, or used to perform in-vitro fertilization.
In cases of infertility, it is adviced that the female partner be checked also as there may be specific treatments recommended for your partner too.
Remember, never go on self-medications. Always visit your doctor should the need arise.
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2141389468240801184/1322570920970605779?hl=en
