Male Infertility

The inability of a man to conceive a fertile woman because of issues with sperm production, function, or delivery is known as male infertility. 40–50% of all cases of infertility are caused by it.

1. Male Infertility Common Causes: Sperm Disorders

Low sperm count (Oligospermia) – <15 million sperm/mL.

Poor sperm motility (Asthenospermia) – Sperm don’t swim well.

Abnormal sperm morphology (Teratospermia) – Misshapen sperm.

Azoospermia – No sperm in semen

2. Unbalanced Hormones

Thyroid problems, excessive prolactin, or low testosterone.

3. Obstructive infertility, or blockages

Congenital absence of vas deferens (e.g., CBAVD in cystic fibrosis), infections, or vasectomy.

4. Factors related to genetics

Small testes and low testosterone are symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome (XXY).
Microdeletions in the Y chromosome: Impact on sperm production.
Mutations in cystic fibrosis may result in a missing vas deferens.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Anabolic steroids, drinking, smoking, and obesity.
Exposure to poisons (heat, radiation, and insecticides).

6. Medical Conditions

Varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins – most common reversible cause).
Infections (e.g., mumps orchitis, STIs like chlamydia).
Erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

Often, there are no obvious symptoms other than inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected sex. However, signs may include:

Physical Signs:
1. Small or firm testicles.
2. Swollen scrotum (varicocele).
3. Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement – hormonal issue).
Sexual Dysfunction:
1. Low libido, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation.
Hormonal Symptoms:
1. Reduced facial/body hair, fatigue (low testosterone).
Ejaculation Issues:
1. Low semen volume, cloudy/thick semen, blood in semen.

Diagnosis