Good morning bloggers & welcome to the blog of Yash IVF, Deccan, Pune. Infertility is a growing concern in today’s world, and while both men and women can be affected, male infertility accounts for approximately 30% of all infertility cases. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, and it affects about 10-15% of couples worldwide. While infertility can be attributed to many factors, in this blog, we will be focusing on the signs of infertility in men. Signs of Infertility in Men: Low Sperm Count A low sperm count or oligospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility, seen routinely at Yash IVF, Deccan. There are reports of a drastic reduction in sperm counts all over. A normal sperm count is considered to be between 15 million to more than 200 million per mL of semen. A count below 15 million sperm per ml is considered low and can make it more difficult to conceive. Causes of a low sperm count include hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, infections, and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins or radiation. Abnormal Sperm Shape and Size The shape and size of sperm also play a critical role in male fertility. Sperm that are abnormally shaped or sized, known as teratozoospermia, can make it more difficult for them to fertilize an egg. Additionally, the sperm may have difficulty swimming, making it difficult for them to reach the egg. The causes of abnormal sperm shape and size can be genetic or due to lifestyle factors such as smoking or exposure to environmental toxins. Low Semen Volume Another sign of male infertility is low semen volume. A low volume of semen can make it more difficult for the sperm to travel through the reproductive tract and fertilize an egg. Causes of low semen volume include hormonal imbalances, infections, and retrograde ejaculation, a condition where semen flows back into the bladder instead of being expelled during ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common condition for men of all ages. ED is an inability to achieve an erection for sexual intercourse. While ED is not a direct cause of male infertility, it can make it more difficult for men to conceive. ED can be caused by a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalances. Pain, Swelling, or Lumps in the Testicles Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles can be a sign of various conditions, including testicular cancer or a varicocele, a condition where the veins in the testicles become enlarged. Both conditions can affect male fertility, and it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. Decreased Libido A decreased libido, or sex drive, can be a sign of male infertility. A low libido can make it difficult for men to engage in sexual intercourse and conceive a child. Causes of decreased libido include hormonal imbalances, depression, stress, and certain medications. Inability to Ejaculate The inability to ejaculate, also known as anejaculation, can be a sign of male infertility. Anejaculation can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage, medications, or hormonal imbalances. It is important to seek medical attention if you are unable to ejaculate, as it can affect your ability to conceive a child. Retrograde Ejaculation Retrograde ejaculation, as mentioned earlier, is a condition where semen flows back into the bladder instead of being expelled during ejaculation. While it is not harmful to the individual, it can make it difficult to conceive a child as the sperm is not ejaculated out of the body. Causes of retrograde ejaculation include diabetes, medications, or surgery. There have been important updates in research on male infertility. The above signs are indicative of concerns regarding the male reproductive system. The burden of fertility concerns is often shared equally, so it is important to know the updated research about male factor infertility. There are a few research findings, which are as follows. The impact of environmental factors: Studies have shown that environmental factors such as exposure to toxins and chemicals can contribute to male infertility. For example, exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can reduce sperm quality and quantity. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies: There have been several advances in assisted reproductive technologies that can help men with infertility. These include intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, and testicular sperm extraction (TESE), which involves extracting sperm directly from the testes. Lifestyle factors: Several lifestyle factors can also impact male fertility. Studies have shown that smoking, alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can reduce sperm quality and quantity. On the other hand, regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve male fertility. Male infertility and overall health: Recent research has suggested that male infertility may be linked to other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. This highlights the importance of addressing male infertility not just as a reproductive issue but as a potential indicator of overall health. Overall, research on male infertility is ongoing and is shedding light on new ways to diagnose and treat the condition. It is important for men to be aware of the potential causes of infertility and to seek medical advice if they are experiencing fertility issues. We, at Yash IVF, have offered the joy of fatherhood to many patients with abnormal sperm reports. Do visit us to know more.
