Causes of Male infertility includes low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, infections, genetic issues, and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress, and excessive heat exposure.
In India, a significant number of males suffer from infertility, but society often blames a woman’s health when a couple is unable to conceive.
Reason?
People are unaware of male infertility and its causes, which leads them to hollow statements with no facts or reasons.
According to National Library of Medicine, about 8-12% of all couples globally experience infertility, with male factors responsible for around 40-50% of these cases.
Dr. Sankalp Singh, a Reproductive Medicine, Infertility, and IVF specialist in Indore at Yaami Fertility Center, explains that many causes of Male Infertility are identifiable and treatable. With proper knowledge and timely medical support, such personal issues can be effectively managed.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what male infertility is, its causes, and the signs and symptoms of male infertility.
What is Male Infertility?
The term “Male Infertility” refers to the inability of a sexually mature male to impregnate a fertile female. This means a man has a problem with his reproductive system.
The natural male reproductive system depends on several things that decide whether one can start a pregnancy with their female partner or not.
Signs and symptoms of male infertility
Male infertility is a silent issue. It often shows no obvious signs until a couple tries to have a baby. However, in some cases, a few underlying problems can be identified.
Here are signs and symptoms of male infertility that you may notice:
- Sexual function concerns like having difficulty with erections, ejaculation, or not having the desire for sexual intercourse for a long time.
- Testicular or scrotal symptoms such as pain, swelling, heavy bleeding, or a noticeable lump.
- Other symptoms include reduced hair growth, breast swelling, fatigue, and muscle weakness. These body changes are linked to hormones and can be considered a sign of male infertility.
- Historical clues such as defective testis in childhood, mumps during puberty, or any testicular or pelvic surgeries can also become the reason for infertility.
These symptoms may not confirm infertility, but indicate the requirement to consult with a fertility specialist.
Consulting a fertility specialist is important, as ignoring them can become one of the causes of Male Infertility.
5 Common Causes of Male Infertility
Apart from the few visible signs, there are many causes like sperm related issues, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
Let’s understand these causes in detail, so that you can make informed and timely decisions:
Sperm-Related Issues
Having a low sperm count (oligozoospermia), poor sperm movement (asthenozoospermia), or sperm being in an abnormal shape (teratozoospermia). Genetics, infections, or bad lifestyle choices can cause these.
Sperm Delivery and Reproductive Tract Problems
In this issue, the sperm are produced but can’t move or travel normally. This can happen due to blockages in the epididymis, vas deferens, or ejaculatory ducts. Another reason that can stop sperm from traveling could be infections, inflammation, or surgeries in past surgeries.
Hormonal Imbalances
Low Testosterone is one of the most common causes of male infertility, as this primary male sex hormone is essential for sperm production. Imbalance in other important hormones like Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH) can also disrupt sperm development in the testes.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Whether it is a man or a woman, lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, consuming alcohol, drugs, or a poor diet directly create a hormonal imbalance, which can result in infertility. On the other hand, Environmental factors like exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heat exposure can negatively impact male fertility.
Consumption of alcohol and smoking also leads to hormonal imbalance and, later, to infertility over time.
Medical Conditions and Treatments
Some health issues, like varicocele, infections, ejaculation disorders, surgery, cancer, and its treatment, can affect sperm quality and production. However, some causes are reversible, while others may need proper medical treatments like IVF or ICSI when it comes to achieve parenthood.
Read Also – Food to Increase Sperm Count in Hindi
Male infertility is more common than most people realize, but it’s also one of the most treatable conditions when identified early.
With proper evaluation through semen analysis, hormonal assessment, and imaging, doctors try to treat your infertility and help you achieve parenthood.
Yaami Fertility Centre can pinpoint the cause and guide you toward effective solutions. In many cases, small lifestyle adjustments, timely medical interventions, or assisted reproductive techniques can make all the difference.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards clarity, confidence, and parenthood.
FAQs
What are the common causes of male infertility?
Common causes of male infertility include sperm-related issues, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
Can stress affect male fertility?
Yes, taking stress for a long period of time disturbs hormones, lowers testosterone levels, and reduces sperm count.
How does age affect male fertility?
Age plays an important role in male fertility. As with increasing age, especially after 40, the quality of the sperm starts to decrease. This leads to lower fertility and a higher risk of genetic issues.
Can smoking or alcohol use impact male fertility?
Yes, a bad lifestyle like smoking or consuming alcohol damages sperm DNA and lowers motility.
What role does varicocele play in male infertility?
A varicocele enlarged vein in the scrotum can raise testicular temperature which affects sperm production and quality.
Can infections cause male infertility?
Yes, infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or mumps can damage the reproductive tract or block the passage of sperm. This becomes the cause of male infertility.
Dr. Sankalp Singh (MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynecology, FIRM, FRM – Germany) is a highly respected Reproductive Medicine and IVF specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is the founder and chief consultant at Yaami Fertility & IVF Center, Indore, where he provides advanced fertility solutions including IUI, IVF, ICSI, and fertility preservation. Trained internationally, Dr. Singh combines global expertise with a compassionate approach to guide couples on their journey to parenthood. He is also deeply committed to academic teaching, clinical research, and spreading awareness about reproductive health and fertility treatments.
