Male Infertility: Read about the causes, diagnosis, and SOT of IVF, ICSI and lifestyle changes. Natural fertility tips on how to enhance male fertility.

Male infertility is an issue that is increasing health concern and has been reported to affect millions of men all over the world but it is a quiet issue. Most men are reluctant to discuss it because there is a social stigma surrounding it but specialists claim that infertility is a lot more prevalent than people think. Male factors are known to cause almost 30-50 per cent of all infertility cases among couples.

Developing an awareness of the causes, diagnosis and management of male infertility is essential not only to develop awareness but also to assist the couples in seeking solutions in time.

What Is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is said to be the inability of a man to bring to life his woman, even after engaging in sexual intercourse with her on numerous occasions without the use of protection. The issue may be brought about by low sperm count, low sperm quality, hormonal disturbances, genetic disorders, or lifestyle related problems.

The causes of male infertility are broadly classified by doctors as:

Dysfunctions of the production of sperm.

• Issues in sperm delivery
• Lifestyle and environmental.
• Typical Causes Of Male infertility.

Sperm Production Problems

This is the commonest cause of infertility in men. Conditions include:

• Varicocele: The big veins in the scrotum lower the quality of the sperm.
• Genetic disorders: e.g. Klinefelter syndrome.
• Endocrine disorder: Low testosterone or pituitary gland dysfunction.

Infections: Mumps, STIs or other serious infections that affect the functioning of the testicles.

Sperm Delivery Issues

When sperm is produced, it must be effective in its travelling. Problems may include:

• Blocked tubes: Occlusion of the vas deferens.
• Genetic lack of vas deferens: It is frequently associated with cystic fibrosis.
• Retrograde ejaculation: Semen gets into the bladder rather than out of it.
• Erectile dysfunction: Does not allow ejaculation.

Hidden Lifestyle & Environmental.

Habits Everyday habits are of immense importance to male fertility. Factors include:

• Obesity and poor diet
• Smoking and alcohol drinking.
• Use of drugs (steroids, marijuana, cocaine, etc.)
• Contact with chemicals, radiation and heavy metals.
• Stress and overworking.

What is the diagnosis of male infertility?

Identifying the correct diagnosis is important in the search of effective treatment. Doctors usually recommend:

• Physical examination
• Sperm count, motility, shape and volume of semen (sperm analysis).
• Hormone tests to test testosterone, other hormones.
• In some instances genetic testing.

Treatments of Male infertility.

The positive thing is the majority of male infertility cases can be treated with medical assistance and lifestyle modifications.

Medical & Surgical interventions.

• Drugs: To enhance the production of sperms or hormonal disturbances.

• Surgery: To repair varicocele, to clear tubes or to extract sperm directly out of testicles (Micro-TESE).

ART Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

The hope that modern reproductive science has brought to millions of couples:

• IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
  These techniques are more advanced and give a chance to fertilize using low sperm count.

 Lifestyle Modifications

• Eat balanced diet full of antioxidants (nuts, seeds and green leafy veggies).
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking and alcohol.
• Calm down using yoga, meditation or counseling.
• Keep active, but do not overly exercise.
• Expert Opinion

Dr. Ankit Goel, the Head of Urology, Andrology and Uro-Oncology at MASSH states:
Through understanding the cause and effect of the situation, timely medical counseling and implementation of healthy life habits, men stand an excellent chance of winning over infertility and be able to father children.