Infertility is one of the rising concerns amongst men and women of the current age and affects a large chunk of the population. Most of the men and women who are affected by infertility have some or the other issues that can be diagnosed and treated but many people have unexplained infertility as well which means that they are infertile for no specific reason.
The change in the environment in the body and lifestyle can be blamed for the major part of infertility. Male infertility treatment options are now available in many hospitals and clinics to help diagnose and understand the reasons behind infertility and how to effectively heal and recover from it.
What causes Infertility?
Infertility is one of the biggest reproductive problems and challenges that force men and women to undergo various diagnostic measures to evaluate their reproductive health. Usually, males can easily fix a hormonal or an organ-related problem with male infertility treatment. Unfortunately, there are many cases where a male’s condition prohibits him from being able to conceive a child. In such occurrences, your health care provider may suggest donor sperm from a sperm bank.
A Gynecologist can help understand the status of a patient’s reproductive health and analyze the factors as to what makes them infertile in their condition.
When it comes to causes of infertility, it can be of various kinds. Some of the major reasons of infertility in men are discussed below:
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Major Diseases of the Reproductive System
There are many diseases that can plague the reproductive system and cause male infertility such as varicocele, cancers, non-malignant tumors, undescended testicles, blocks in the tubes that carry semen, ejaculation into the bladder etc. These can be detected and treated.
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Infections
Infections of the reproductive organs such as sexually transmitted infections and diseases such as HIV and infection of the sperm carrying tubes and passages. They can be treated in most cases.
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Sexual Problems
Having problems with sexual activity such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, anatomical abnormalities, etc can cause the inability to perform sexually. These cases can also be corrected.
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Antibody Attacks
In some cases, the body’s immune system attacks the healthy sperm thinking it is a foreign entity and therefore may reduce the semen quality and sperm count.
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Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance such as from the major glands of the body and reproductive hormones such as adrenaline and testosterone can reduce the quality of the semen.
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Medications and Past Surgeries
Undergoing treatment for any kind of problems such as Cancers, Ulcer treatment, Arthritis treatment, etc can interfere in the production of healthy sperm. Surgeries such as spinal, vasectomy, testicular surgeries, major abdominal surgeries can all result in interference with reproductive health.
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Exposure to Chemicals and Metals
Long-standing exposure to heavy metals, heavy radiation such as X Rays, industrial chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, paints, solvents, exposure to lead, etc can cause a reduction of sperm count.
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Exposure to Heat
Long-standing exposure to heat can damage the quality of the sperm and cause the testicles to malfunction causing infertility in men.
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Lifestyle Issues
Poor lifestyle with excessive stress, overweight issues, lack of exercise, poor diet, intake of junk food, etc can lower the quality of semen.
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Use of Drugs
Last but not the least, use of drugs, alcohol, and smoking is seen as one of the major reasons for infertility in men.