Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Male infertility refers to cases where the difficulty in conceiving is due to issues related to the male partner.
What Causes Male Infertility?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Vandana Ramanathan, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine at Garbhagudi IVF Centre, explained that male infertility is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, and semen analysis. Semen analysis is key in assessing sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and overall quality. It helps identify fertility problems and determines the appropriate treatment. Often, male infertility is linked to abnormalities in these areas and hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production.
Factors That Affect Sperm Quality
Dr. Ramanathan highlighted several factors that can impact sperm production and function:
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Genetic Conditions: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
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Varicocele: Enlarged veins around the testes, which can reduce sperm production.
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Undescended Testes: When the testes don’t descend properly, leading to increased heat exposure and decreased sperm production.
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Testicular Injuries or Torsion: These can disrupt blood flow and affect sperm formation.
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Infections: Infections like mumps can harm sperm production.
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Toxin Exposure: Pesticides and chemicals can negatively impact sperm health.
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Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation may affect sperm production.
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Excessive Heat: Regular exposure to hot tubs or saunas can interfere with sperm quality.
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Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive drinking, and drug use can lower sperm health.
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Chronic Conditions: Issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and hormonal imbalances.
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Medications: Some drugs, such as antidepressants and anabolic steroids, can affect sperm production.
How Age Affects Male Fertility
Dr. Ramanathan noted that age impacts male fertility as well. While women experience a drop in fertility after the age of 34-35, men typically see a gradual decline in sperm quality after age 45. However, men can remain fertile longer than women if they maintain good sperm health.
Conclusion
Male infertility is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions. If you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s important to consult with a doctor for personalized advice.
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