Demystifying Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options

Male infertility is a common issue among men, which affects their pregnancy with a partner. Conception is a multifaceted process that needs more than one reproductive factor to balance, and there are many hindrances to successful pregnancy. Fortunately, with the help of medical science today, male infertility treatment exists at top hospitals, providing specialized care and cutting-edge solutions to aid your path toward parenthood.
 

Struggling with infertility? Book your consultation now by calling +91 9667064100 to take the first step towards expanding your family.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a condition in which the male reproductive apparatus fails to conceive with a woman. It results from problems relating to the production, function, or transmission of sperm. Both male and female can be infertile, and the issues that relate to the man are accountable for about half of all the cases of infertility.
 

How Do You Know If a Man is Infertile?

A male is infertile when he has been engaging in frequent unprotected intercourse for more than one year and has not gotten his partner pregnant.
 

How Prevalent is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is a worldwide health condition, and it is estimated to affect 186 million people across the globe. Research shows that there are approximately 10-15% of men in the United States who are trying to conceive but have fertility issues.
 

Is Conception Simple?

No, it is not simple to get pregnant. The human race is quite inefficient in reproduction, and even young, healthy couples have only a 20-25% chance of getting pregnant per month of unprotected sex. There are several factors that have an impact on conception and these include:

• Healthy production of sperm, and egg.
• Patent and clear fallopian tubes for the sperm to pass through.
• Sperm with the ability to fertilize the egg successfully
• A healthy implanting embryo.
• A correct hormonal balance to favor pregnancy.
• Even slight disruption of any of them leads to infertility.

Male Infertility Symptoms

The first sign of male infertility is the failure to conceive a woman after frequent, unprotected sex. Certain men, however, have other signs, which are typically associated with other conditions like hormonal imbalance, genetic disorder, or reproductive system abnormalities. They may include:
 

• Difficulty with ejaculation, reduced ejaculate volume, or impotence.
• Pain, swelling, or mass in the testicular region.
• Multiple respiratory infections.
• Loss of sense of smell.
• Inappropriate enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
• Reduced facial or body hair, which suggests hormonal or chromosomal abnormality.
• Low sperm count (less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million sperm per ejaculate).
   

When Should You See a Doctor?

It is advisable to seek a doctor if you have been unable to have a baby for one year or earlier if you have any of the following:
 

• Difficulty getting an erection, keeping an erection, or ejaculating, or very little sex desire.
• Pain, pain, or swelling of the testicle that persists.
• Past difficulties with the testicles, prostate, or sex.
• Past surgery to the groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum.
• A 35-year-old or older partner, as the capacity to give birth decreases with age.
   

If you are facing infertility, availing a professional medical opinion at the best hospital for male infertility treatment can get the right diagnosis and treatment course that is suitable for your condition.

Male Infertility: Causes and Risk Factors

Male infertility is a multicausal condition that can significantly compromise the fertility of the couple. It is caused by numerous medical, environmental, and lifestyle etiologies which interfere with the production, function, or transport of sperm. Knowledge of the causes can lead to the identification of potential treatment and enhance fertility success.
 

Causes of Male Infertility
 

1. Medical Causes

There are a number of medical conditions and diseases that can cause male infertility, such as:
 

• Varicocele
  A varicocele is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum that can result in decreased sperm quality and quantity. It is the most frequent reversible cause of male infertility.
   
• Infections
  Some infections can damage sperm production, kill the health of the sperm, or create blockages that stop sperm from entering the semen. They are:
   

1. Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
2. Orchitis (inflammation of the testicle)
3. Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or HIV

• Ejaculation Disorders
  Retrograde ejaculation is when semen goes into the bladder rather than out through the penis when one has an orgasm. It can be caused by:
   

1. Diabetes
2. Spinal injury
3. Bladder, prostate, or urethra surgery
4. Certain medications

• Immune System Disorders
  Sometimes the immune system creates anti-sperm antibodies that destroy sperm cells by mistake, reducing their capacity to fertilize an egg.
   
• Tumors and Cancer Treatments
  Male reproductive health may directly be impacted by cancer and benign tumors. Even treatments, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, may hinder the production of sperm.
   
• Undescended Testicles
  One or both testicles in some men do not descend into the scrotum during fetal life. The condition raises the risk of decreased sperm production.
   
• Hormonal Imbalances
  Infertility in men is caused by hormonal dysfunction in testosterone and other reproductive hormones. It can be due to:
   

1. Disorders in the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, or adrenal glands
2. Conditions such as male hypogonadism (low testosterone level)
    

• Genetic and Chromosomal Disorder
  In some inherited conditions, the production of sperm can be affected, e.g.:
   

   

1. Klinefelter's Syndrome – Men have an extra X chromosome (XXY rather than XY), and as a result the testicles do not develop properly.
2. Cystic Fibrosis – In this inherited disease, tubes transporting sperm may not form or get clogged up.

3. Kallmann's Syndrome – A syndrome which disrupts the development of hormone and sperm.

    

• Structural Obstructions
  Obstructions to tubes carrying the sperm can obstruct the sperm entering the semen. These can result from:
   
• Surgery (e.g., vasectomy)
• Infections
• Genetic disorders

• Trauma or injury

   

• Celiac Disease
  This autoimmune disease, brought on by gluten intolerance, is possibly one cause of infertility. Fertility could be enhanced in patients who adopt a gluten-free diet.
   
• Certain Medications
  The following drugs are capable of destroying sperm production:
   
• Testosterone replacement therapy
• Use of anabolic steroids over an extended period
• Chemotherapy agents

• Some ulcer, arthritis, and high blood pressure medication

   

2. Environmental Causes

Environmental exposure to certain toxins and physical conditions is likely to cause harm to the health of sperm, including:
 

• Chemical and Toxin Exposure
   
• Long-term use of herbicides, organic solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides can lower sperm production.
• Radiation (e.g., X-rays) exposure has been shown to lower sperm count, with high doses potentially causing long-term infertility.
   

Excessive Heat

• Recurrent use of hot tubs, saunas, or prolonged heat exposure kills sperm production.
• Long hours of sitting, tight-fitting underwear, or laptop usage on the lap for long hours can increase scrotal temperature and impair sperm quality.

3. Lifestyle and Health Issues
 

Substance Abuse

• Anabolic steroids – Shrink testicles and lower sperm production.
• Cocaine and marijuana – Temporarily reduce sperm count and quality.
• Alcohol consumption – Decrease testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction, and lower sperm production.
• Tobacco smoking – Decrease sperm count and fertility. Secondhand smoke is also harmful to sperm health.
   

Obesity

• Excess weight and obesity can cause infertility through:
• Direct impact on sperm production
• Causing hormonal imbalances lowering testosterone

Risk Factors of Male Infertility

There are various causes of male infertility. They are:
 

• Smoking tobacco
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Use of certain illicit drugs
• Obesity
• History of ongoing or past infection
• Environmental exposure to toxins
• Overheating of the testicles
• Testicular injury
• History of past vasectomy or major abdominal/pelvic surgery
• History of past undescended testes
• Genetic disorders or family history of fertility disorders
• Some medical conditions like tumors or chronic disease (e.g., sickle cell disease)
• Drug or therapeutic use, including surgeries or radiation for cancer

Complications of Male Infertility

Male infertility can cause complications such as:
 

• Emotional distress and relationship problems due to inability to conceive
• Expensive and complicated assisted reproductive methods
• Risk for certain types of cancer, including testicular cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and colon cancer

Prevention of Male Infertility

Male infertility can always be prevented, although avoiding the known causes can be helpful. Try the following:
 

• Smoking can be avoided
• Limit or avoid altogether alcohol use
• In addition to avoiding illicit drugs, adhere to any of the following:
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Steer clear of vasectomies
• Avoid excessive heat exposure in the testicular region
• Reduce stress
• Reduce exposure to harmful toxins like pesticides and heavy metals

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

Male infertility is typically multifactorial, and determining the cause can require a few tests. Keep in mind that some causes remain unknown. For accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, consult the best hospital nearby for expert care. Infertility testing can be costly and is not always covered by insurance, so it's a good idea to check your coverage before proceeding.
 

The diagnostic process typically involves:

• Physical Exam and Medical History: Your physician will examine your genitals and ask about any inherited conditions, chronic diseases, injuries, or surgeries that may impact fertility. Sexual habits and puberty development may also be questioned.
• Semen Analysis: A semen sample is typically obtained by masturbation in a private office room. Men can have other preferences in other situations, like having a particular condom used during intercourse. The semen sample is taken to a lab to assess sperm count, shape (morphology), movement (motility), and test for infection. Multiple semen analyses may be needed to confirm accuracy because sperm counts will fluctuate from sample to sample. If your test results are normal, the physician can order additional tests for your female partner prior to conducting additional male infertility testing.
   

Additional tests include:

• Scrotal Ultrasound: This examination employs high-frequency sound waves to create images of the testicles, which allow for the identification of abnormalities such as varicoceles or other abnormalities.
• Transrectal Ultrasound: A lubricated wand is inserted into the rectum to study the prostate and look for obstructions in tubes that transport semen.
• Hormone Tests: Blood tests for levels of testosterone and other hormones released by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testicles, all important in the creation of sperm.
• Post-ejaculation Urinalysis: Sperm present in the urine can be a sign of retrograde ejaculation, when sperm reverse direction and go back into the bladder rather than being ejaculated.
• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can be suggested in the case of extremely low sperm levels to ascertain the Y chromosome or other genetic defects that will lead to infertility.
• Testicular Biopsy: During this test, tissue is excised from the testicle with the help of a needle. If there is normal production of the sperm, then an obstruction or sperm transport defect is responsible for the condition.
• Specialized Sperm Function Tests: These tests ascertain the capacity of sperm to live after ejaculation, penetrate an egg, and stick to it. They are not performed routinely since they do not typically change treatment plans.

Treatment for Male Infertility

In most instances, the cause of infertility cannot be determined. Even if the cause is unknown, your physician can recommend treatment or procedures to facilitate conception. It is usually advisable for the female partner to also be evaluated since infertility can be a mutual problem. In some instances, assisted reproductive methods can be suitable for both partners.
 

The following are commonly used treatment strategies for male infertility:

• Surgery: Anatomical issues like a varicocele (swelling of veins in the scrotum) or an obstructed vas deferens can be cured with surgery. Vasectomy reversal is also available. If there are none in the ejaculate, sperm retrieval methods can be employed to collect sperm directly from the epididymis or testes.
• Treating Infection: If the infection is a reproductive tract infection, antibiotics can be prescribed. Antibiotics may cure the infection but do not necessarily enhance fertility.
• Sexual Intercourse Problem Treatments: If there is sexual dysfunction, for example, erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, medication or counseling could help improve fertility.
• Hormone Treatment and Medications: In case of hormonal insufficiencies resulting in infertility, excess or lack of some hormones, hormone replacement therapy or drugs may be prescribed. The treatment corrects the body's use of hormones and assists in enhancing fertility.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): ART applies the technology of sperm being extracted from a normal ejaculation, surgery extraction, or donor. Sperm is delivered into the woman's reproductive tract or inserted for treatments of IVF (in vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), all in accordance with the kind of case of infecundity and personal patient desire.

Meet the Best Urologist at Felix Hospital for Male Infertility Treatment

If you are facing infertility because of male infertility, follow the advice of Dr. Bhanwar Lal Barkesia, an experienced urologist at Felix Hospital. Dr. Barkesia has a thorough knowledge of diagnosing and treating male infertility, such as low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, varicocele, and endocrine disorders. By his personalized method, he offers customized treatment programs for treating lifestyle-based infertility, disease, and genes. For identifying the best doctor of male infertility treatment in Noida, look no further than Felix Hospital as your go-to source for high-quality treatment and cutting-edge equipment.
 

Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced team assist you in identifying the causes and recommending the right treatments for your journey to parenthood.

Conclusion

Male infertility is on the rise, but in the majority of instances, it can be cured or even avoided by proper lifestyle and medical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are easier if the causes are known to be genetic, hormonal, or lifestyle. Avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco intake, following a healthy diet, stress management, and timely medical intervention can go a long way in reproductive health. With newer developments in fertility treatments and a optimistic attitude, the majority of men are able to overcome the issues of infertility and fulfill their desire to become fathers. In addition, understanding the cost of Male Infertility Treatment enables patients to make good decisions regarding what best treatment options are accessible to them.

FAQs on Male Infertility

1. What are the most common causes of male infertility?
Ans- Male infertility may be due to medical conditions such as varicocele, infection, hormonal imbalance, or obstruction in the reproductive system. Lifestyle factors such as alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, and obesity may also cause infertility.
 

2. How is male infertility diagnosed?
Ans- Male infertility can usually be diagnosed through a set of tests that range from physical examination, semen analysis, and endocrine tests, and in some, genetic testing, scrotal ultrasound, or testicular biopsy to determine the etiology.
 

3. Is male infertility treatable?
Ans- Yes, male infertility can often be treated based on the cause. Treatment may be in the form of medication, surgery (like for varicocele, for example), hormone therapy, or assisted reproductive technology like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
 

4. When should a man seek help for infertility?
Ans- A man should consult a doctor if he has been attempting to conceive for more than a year and has not succeeded, or if he is experiencing symptoms like trouble ejaculating, pain with testicular sensation, or severe loss of libido or sexual functioning.
 

5. What is the role of age in male infertility?
Ans- While sperm quality and sperm count decrease in men with advancing age, they are not affected as quickly as in women. However, with increasing age in men, lower sperm quality and quantity, as well as higher chances of having offspring with a genetic abnormality, are associated. 
 

6. Can lifestyle modification enhance male fertility?
Ans- Yes, a healthy lifestyle can improve fertility. This includes healthy weight, no smoking and no excessive alcohol consumption, stress reduction, balanced diet, and no exposure to environmental toxins and excess heat.
 

7. How does stress impact male fertility?
Ans- Chronic stress is known to influence hormone levels, especially cortisol, which can impact sperm quality and production. Stress reduction through relaxation, exercise, and therapy is known to enhance fertility in a few instances.