Common male fertility issues
Medical issues
| Medical Condition | Explanation |
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Varicocele |
A varicocele occurs in the scrotum and is very like varicose veins that can occur in the leg. A varicocele can result in decreased sperm production and quality. It is present in around 15 % of the general male population.
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Infection |
Infection by their very nature increase overall body temperature. Therefore, can impact sperm production and potentially the quality of the sperm.
Infections in the male reproductive organ include: –
· Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
· Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles either by a viral or bacterial infection)
· Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, Chlamydia etc)
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Hydrocele |
A hydrocele is a sac filled with fluid that forms around a testicle. The swelling can increase the temperature in that area and therefore can impact sperm production.
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Mumps
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Mumps is a contagious disease (normally contracted in childhood). It is caused by a virus that passes from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions, and close personal contact. Mumps will only be an issue for males if the virus causes Orchitis. The increase of temperature around the testicles can impact sperm production and can have a lasting effect.
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| Vasectomy reversal | As with any operation vasectomy reversal can cause trauma to the area and potential for scar tissue to form. It can take around one year for sperm production to return to normal.
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| Prostatitis | Is an bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the prostate gland. It can also just be inflammation of the prostate without any signs of infection.
If bacterial, antibiotics will need to prescribed for it to be treated effectively. The heat generated from the inflammation can affect sperm production.
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| Antibodies that attack sperm | Sperm can cause an immune system response in either the man’s or woman’s body. The antibodies can damage or kill sperm. These antibodies may hinder the sperm to fertilize the egg effectively.
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| Tumors | Cancer and nonmalignant tumors can occur all around the human body. They can affect male reproductive organs and glands.
In some cases, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors can affect male fertility. They may be asked whether they would like to freeze their sperm prior to treatment. |
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Defects of tubules that transport sperm |
Many different tubes carry sperm. There are many reasons why tubes can become blocked including: – injury/trauma to the area, historic infections, and historic surgery. .
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| Coital issues | Coital issues can include: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse or psychological issues surrounding intercourse.
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Environmental causes
Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function.
| Type of exposure | Explanation |
| Industrial chemicals | Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may contribute to low sperm counts |
| Heavy metal exposure. | Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility. |
| Radiation or X-rays | Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production, though it will often eventually return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
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| Heat | The testicles need to keep the sperm at a healthy temperature (which is less than the body’s temperature). It is thought that this may be in part why the male reproductive organs are external. Heat is known to damage sperm, so it may be best to avoid repeated exposure to activities that may elevate the temperature of the testicles. Examples are frequent use of saunas or hot tubs. In addition, tight underwear like briefs can keep the testicles from being able to hang and regulate their temperature. |
| Electromagnetic frequencies | EMF’s have been shown through studies to lower sperm count due to the heating of the testicles from the EMF’s. Do not keep your mobile phone in your pocket and do not place your laptop computer on your lap.
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| Radio frequency electromagnetic waves | Men should avoid using laptop computers running on a Wi-Fi connection directly on their lap. In addition, be sure to avoid carrying a smart phone in your front pocket. |
Health and lifestyle
There are many potential causes of low sperm count and male infertility, fortunately many of them we have control over by reducing exposure to them.
| Health and lifestyle cause | Explanation |
| Cigarette smoking | Smoking damages the sperm DNA.
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| Pesticides and hormones in foods | The pesticides found on food produce and the hormones added to dairy and meat have a large effect on a man’s hormonal balance. |
| Alcohol | In a study of men with poor sperm quality, excessive alcohol consumption was associated with a decrease in the number of normal sperm. |
| Stress | Stress in men can have a big impact on their hormonal balance which can influence sperm production. |
Sperm issue terminology
| Aspermia
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No semen volume |
| Asthenozoospermia
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Sperm motility is <40% |
| Azoospermia
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No sperms in the semen |
| Globozoospermia | Round headed sperm without acrosome
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| Hematospermia
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Red blood cells present in semen |
| Hyperspermia | Semen volume >5.5 ml
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| Hypospermia | Semen volume <2 ml
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| Necrozoospermia
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Nonviable (“dead”) sperm |
| Oligoasthenozoospermia
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Motile density is <8 million sperm/ml |
| Oligozoospermia
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Sperm count less than 20 million/ml |
| Polyzoospermia
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Excessively high sperm concentration |
| Pyospermia
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Leukocytes (germ-fighting cells) present in semen |
| Teratozoospermia | > 40% of sperm seen are abnormally formed
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