A Father's Legacy Starts With A Seed
According to the WHO's guidelines for semen analysis, male infertility accounts for approximately 40-50% of infertility cases, highlighting the importance of male factors in reproductive health.
Male infertility refers to a condition where a man is unable to contribute to conception after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It occurs when there are issues with the quantity or quality of sperm, or problems in the reproductive system that prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
Male infertility can result from a combination of medical causes, lifestyle & health factors, environmental factors, and sperm health issues. Each of these factors can affect sperm production, quality, or function, ultimately reducing a man’s fertility.
Factors Contribute To Male Infertility
Medical Causes
Medical conditions are a major contributor to male infertility, affecting sperm production, motility, or genetic integrity. Common medical causes include:
Varicocele
Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can raise the temperature in the testes, affecting sperm production and quality.
Genetic Conditions
Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletions) and other inherited conditions can lead to infertility by affecting sperm production or function.
Infections
Conditions like epididymitis, prostatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can damage the reproductive organs, leading to infertility.
Obstructions
Blockages in the vas deferens or other parts of the reproductive tract can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. These can be congenital or result from infections or surgeries like vasectomy.
Hormonal Imbalances
Disorders affecting hormones like testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), or LH (luteinizing hormone) can disrupt sperm production.
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Lifestyle And Health Factor
A man’s lifestyle choices and overall health play a significant role in his fertility. Poor lifestyle choices can lead to a decline in sperm quality, count, and motility. Key lifestyle and health factors include:
Smoking
Smoking tobacco can significantly reduce sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity, contributing to infertility.
Chronic Illnesses
Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders can affect sperm quality and male fertility.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can negatively affect sperm production and quality.
​Poor Diet
A diet lacking in essential nutrients (e.g., zinc, folic acid, antioxidants) can impact sperm health.
Stress
High levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, including increased cortisol levels, which may negatively affect sperm production.
Obesity
High body fat can lead to hormonal imbalances that impair sperm production, and it may also contribute to erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels.
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Environmental Factor
Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can severely affect sperm health and overall male fertility. These factors include:
Chemicals and Pesticides
Exposure to chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals can lower sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Endocrine Disruptors
Certain chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics and other materials, can interfere with hormone production and impair sperm function.
Heat
Prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., using hot tubs, wearing tight clothing, or frequenting places like saunas) can impair sperm production by raising the temperature of the testes.
Radiation and Toxins
Prolonged exposure to radiation or environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals (e.g., lead or mercury), can cause DNA fragmentation in sperm and affect fertility.
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Sperm Health
Sperm health is essential for male fertility, and various factors can contribute to poor sperm quality:
Sperm DNA Fragmentation
DNA damage in sperm reduces fertilization potential and can increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Factors like oxidative stress, smoking, and infections can contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation.
Low Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia)
Sperm motility refers to how well sperm can swim towards the egg. Poor motility makes it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
Low sperm count significantly reduces the chances of successful fertilization.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratospermia)
Abnormal sperm shape (e.g., a misshapen head or tail) can prevent sperm from successfully fertilizing an egg.
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