A Guide to Male Infertility: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

 The concept of getting pregnant appears to be a simple task, though there are several phenomena that go unnoticed within the male and female bodies during this procedure. Many couples nowadays face a lot of issues with conceiving, where male factors contribute to almost 50% of the infertile cases.

Based on the insights and references shared by Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist who offers effective male infertility treatment in Delhi, this article will detail the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for male infertility. Continue reading to get detailed information.

What is Male Infertility?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a failure to get pregnant is called clinical infertility, where fertility is characterized by the absence of pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual activity. Infertility is a common issue and affects an estimated 1 in every 7 couples who are trying to conceive. Male factors are a leading or contributing cause of infertility in almost half of all cases.

What are the Symptoms of Male Infertility?

While there ain’t any obvious signs of male infertility, there are several warning flags to look out for. These include:

1. Trouble ejaculating, i.e., no ejaculation or low volume of semen

2. Problems with sexual function, i.e., difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection

3. Reduces sexual desire

4. Pain or swelling in the testicle area

5. Signs of hormonal imbalance, i.e., decreased facial or body hair

6. Unusual loss or reduction in the sense of smell

If one is experiencing these symptoms, they might indicate male infertility. To get a complete diagnosis of male infertility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a famous male infertility doctor in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice.

What are the Leading Factors that Cause Male Infertility?

Numerous health conditions, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors might contribute to male infertility. The causes of male infertility include the following:

1. Varicocele: A condition that makes the veins swell, which is responsible for draining the testicles and can reduce the sperm count. Infertility can also result from surgery, trauma, or injury that blocks the channels that deliver sperm.
   
   

2. Facing Problems During Sexual Intercourse: A range of difficulties, including erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and anatomical concerns, may lead to infertility.
   
   

3. Other Causes: Men's infertility can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including infections, tumors, celiac disease, and some drugs.

Various Environmental Factors That Cause Infertility

1. Exposure to Industrial Chemicals and Heavy Metals: Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, painting materials, etc. can cause a low sperm count.
   
   

2. Radiation: Exposure to radiation and X-rays can also reduce sperm production.

Some Other Causes of Male Infertility Include as Below:

1. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The use of anabolic steroids has an impact on the quality and production of sperm. Additionally, excessive alcohol use might drop testosterone levels and reduce sperm production.
   
   

2. Smoking: Smoking also decreases the production of sperm count.
   
   

3. Emotional Distress: Stress, depression, and emotional issues interfere with the production of hormones and affect sperm production. This causes infertility and erectile dysfunction.
   
   

4. Obesity: Obesity has a number of harmful effects on a person's health, including impacting male fertility.

Which Tests are Performed to Determine Male Infertility?

The diagnosis begins with a complete physical examination to determine the general state of health and identify the issues that impact infertility in men. The expert urologist recommends a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis, which include the following:

• Semen Analysis: This is one of the most common tests for male infertility. It evaluates the parameters of semen, including motility, overall quality, and sperm count.
  
  

• Hormonal Testing: Several tests can assess the hormone levels that affect fertility. These include testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
  
  

• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing is recommended by the doctor to identify any underlying genetic abnormalities that affect fertility.
  
  

• Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or other imaging techniques also help in identifying structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.
  
  

What are the Effective Treatment Options for Male Infertility?

The following are the treatment options for infertility in men:

1. VASO-Epididymal Anastomosis: Vaso-epididymal anastomosis, or vasoepididymostomy, is an effective procedure to treat male infertility. It helps treat a lack of sperm (obstructive azoospermia) caused by vas deferens occlusion. It eliminates any obstructions and allows the sperm to pass through.
   
   

2. PESA: PESA, also called percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, is another effective procedure for treating male infertility. It is carried out as part of other reproductive procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
   
   

3. TESA: TESA, also known as testicular sperm aspiration, works effectively to remove sperm from the testicles for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This procedure is performed by the expert urologist when the production of sperm gets affected or there is obstructive azoospermia present.
   
   

4. Micro-TESSE: During this procedure, the expert urologist uses a microscope to visualize the testicular tissues, and the sperm is taken directly from the testicular tissues of a man’s reproductive system.

How Can Male Infertility Be Prevented?

Male infertility is not always preventable. However, there are some known tips that can support male infertility:

• Refrain from smoking
  
  

• Abstain from alcohol
  
  

• Avoid illicit drugs
  
  

• Maintain a healthy BMI
  
  

• Avoid vasectomy
  
  

• Avoid things that cause the testicles to become heated
  
  

• Reduce your stress level
  
  

• Limit your exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides.
  
  

How Long Should One Try Before They Seek the Help of a Doctor for Male Infertility?

If one has been actively trying to conceive for one year, it is recommended to consult an expert doctor. However, if you and your partner are over the age of 35, it is best to seek medical attention after six months of trying.

Conclusion

Male infertility is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can provide guidance for couples who are dealing with infertility. If one is experiencing the same concern, they can seek medical attention right away. To do this, one can consult Dr. Niren Rao, the best urologist in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice.

The expert urologist has 19 years of experience and specializes in treating male infertility. He will confirm the presence of infertility by recommending a few tests and will advise on the most appropriate treatment available.

To consult Dr. Niren Rao, one can visit Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice and take the necessary steps to improve their infertility and increase their chances of achieving their dream of becoming a parent!