Of late, infertility is one major concern for most couples. Studies suggest that infertility is an issue that affects nearly one in every seven to eight couples. Being infertile is defined as a medical condition when the couple has been trying, and yet has not been able to conceive a child even though they have had regular and unprotected intercourse lasting for a year or longer. Among infertile couples, in nearly half of these couples, male infertility plays at least a partial role. This amounts to about 30% of infertility cases that are being reported to be attributed to male infertility. Hence, when there is an inability of a male to contribute towards pregnancy to a fertile female, it is called male infertility.\nMale infertility can be a result of several factors. Most factors however are related to the sperm. Male infertility occurs when a male is diagnosed to either have a low sperm count, there is a blockage or abnormal sperms. Such diagnosed conditions are curable however in some cases with the help of assistive reproductive processes fertilization can be done. Research also suggests that one in twenty males tends to have low production of sperm while only one in a hundred males have no sperm production at all.\nTo achieve successful fertilization, the male’s health condition should have:\n• Production of healthy sperm\n• High sperm count for better odds of fertilization which means an increased likelihood of successful fertilization\n• The movement or motility of sperm is an important factor in ensuring fertilization. \n• Other causes of male infertility vary and include environmental causes, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Below-mentioned are the medical conditions of male infertility.\n• Varicocele: When there is swelling in the veins that drain the testicle the condition is termed varicocele. This prevailing factor is often attributed to high heat exposure of the sperm leading to the unsuccessful production of healthy sperm.\n• Infection: Infections caused by a weakened immune system, some medical conditions, certain medications, malnutrition, stress, age, and poor lifestyle changes could lead to inflammation.  This further results in the blockage of the epididymis and testes.\n• Issues related to Ejaculation (Discharge of semen/sperm): One of the causes of male infertility is improper ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition when the semen is ejaculated into the bladder. Injuries caused to the genital area or pelvic region potentially lead to ejaculation issues. Spinal cord injuries and similar injuries that occur could also lead to ejaculation issues.\n• Tumors: Illnesses such as cancers and benign tumors affect male fertility by impacting the hormone-producing pituitary glands.  The damage of the testicles and reduction in testosterone production take place among men undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.\n• Undescended Testicles: Some men have testicles that fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum, such conditions among males have also been found to have low fertility.\n• Hormone Imbalances: Infertility due to a disorder of the testicles or hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone levels can occur due to hormonal imbalances resulting in male infertility. When there are defects of tubes that transport sperm diagnosed, or vas deferens or tubes are absent, this condition can cause the failure to transfer sperm cells from the testes.\n• Chromosome Defects: When genetic defects in males such as chromosome mutation are detected, they can cause infertility due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm production.\n• Other factors that affect male infertility are medical causes including sexual intercourse-related issues such as Erectile dysfunction (ED), when it interferes with the process of ejaculation. Also, in certain cases, prior surgeries such as prostate surgery affect male fertility.\n• When men have working conditions due to which there is overexposure to heat, toxins, and chemicals, it can cause a lower sperm count.\nBelow listed are the environmental factors that contribute to male infertility:\n• Work environment leading to exposure to industrial chemicals.\n• Regular exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.\n• Constant exposure to heavy metals, radiation, or X-rays.\n• Prolonged exposure of the testicles to high temperatures, such as frequent visits to the sauna or hot baths affects sperm production as well as sperm quality.\n• Overheating of the testicles also due to extended use of gadgets disrupts the optimal temperature for sperm production and results in loss of sperm cells and low production of sperm.\n• Having high stress levels, depression, and being overweight can also cause male infertility.\n• Jobs that involve prolonged sitting such as welding and occupations such as driving can also in all probabilities be the cause of male infertility.\n• One of the main reasons for Male infertility is also unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, recreational drug use substance use, or drug use disorder contributes to both Erectile dysfunction (ED) and fertility problems. When these habits are avoided and when lifestyle modifications are done they can help prevent infertility issues to an extent. \n

What are the causes of male fertility?