Causes and Diagnosis of Male Infertility

Possible Causes of Male Infertility:

For a couple to become pregnant, all steps must be taken perfectly from the time of ovulation to fertilization and successful implantation of the embryo to the uterine walls. Any single abnormality or disorder might not allow the couples to conceive. There is a list of factors that can affect male fertility:

Genetic abnormalities: Some of the changes in genes can cause abnormal sperm production or blockage of flow and cause male infertility. The most common genetic abnormalities are chromosomal conditions that affect sperm production and other condition such as Down Syndrome.

Sperm morphology: It refers to the size, shape and volume of the sperm in given semen. At least 4% of the sperm in semen should be of normal shape and size because below that percentage, the sperm is said to be abnormal and lead to fertility problems.

Sperm motility: At least 32% of the sperm counts should be able to move efficiently. Poor sperm movement or low sperm motility can affect the sperm's ability to move towards the egg and can affect fertility. Such a condition will cause males to lose the ability to conceive.

Congenital abnormalities: The congenital absence of vas-deferens is an example of the abnormalities that are present in men from the time of their birth.

Varicocele: A varicocele 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 may be related to abnormal blood flow.

Male Accessory Gland Infections (MAGI): Male Accessory Gland Infections (MAGI) refers to a syndrome that recently has generated considerable debate about its possible role in causing certain conditions of male fertility. It is a condition with inflammation in the male genital tract which can not allow semen to ejaculate out.

Immunological factors: Sometimes a person’s immune system might attack the sperm. This leads to an impairment of the sperm’s ability to travel to the uterus and penetrate through the eggs. Such an immunological factor hinders the person’s fertility.

Endocrine disturbances: The endocrine system consists of several glands and produces major hormones, which are responsible for the overall growth and development of our body. When major hormones are not produced or are produced in low amounts, it might lead to infertility.

Hormone imbalances: Low levels of testosterone are often the result of other hormone imbalances, particularly by disorders of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Low levels of testosterone are often an underlying cause of infertility

Chromosome defects: 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.

Problems with sexual intercourse: Such types of problems can include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or loss of sex drive.

Retrograde ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation happens when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm.

Antibodies that attack sperm movement: Anti-sperm antibodies are a type of immune cell that targets sperm as harmful invaders and attempts to eliminate them.

Increased Scrotal Temperature:  The temperature of the testes affects both the quality and quantity of sperm production. The temperature of the testes should be 2-4 degrees Celsius below the body temperature.

Supplements and steroids: Steroid injections and other steroid preparations can severely harm sperm production. Excess coffee drinking can also have an influence, particularly if there is an underlying fertility problem.