Male Infertility – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Infertility affects approximately 1 in 7 couples who have engaged in regular unprotected intercourse for at least one year. Men contribute to infertility problems in up to 50% of cases. Several factors can lead to male fertility issues, including:

  • Low sperm production
  • Abnormal sperm function
  • Blockages preventing sperm delivery

Many elements influence male fertility, such as:

  • Illness and injuries
  • Ongoing health conditions
  • Lifestyle choices
  • Environmental factors

Struggling to conceive can create emotional distress for couples, but there are numerous treatment options available for male infertility. Medical professionals can help identify the specific cause and recommend appropriate interventions to improve chances of conception.

Signs and Symptoms

Male infertility often has no obvious signs except for the inability to conceive a child after trying. However, some men may experience symptoms related to underlying conditions.

These symptoms can include:

  • Sexual function problems like difficulty ejaculating, low ejaculate volume, reduced sexual desire, or trouble maintaining erections
  • Physical discomfort such as pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Loss of smell
  • Unusual breast growth
  • Reduced facial or body hair
  • Low sperm count (less than 15 million sperm per milliliter or total count below 39 million)

Some men might not notice any symptoms until they try to have a child.

When to See a Doctor

Couples should consult a doctor if they haven’t conceived after one year of regular unprotected sex. However, men should seek medical advice sooner if they notice:

  • Problems with erections, ejaculation, or decreased sexual desire
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles
  • A history of testicle or prostate problems
  • Previous surgeries in the groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum area

If a man’s partner is over 35, it’s wise to see a doctor earlier since female fertility decreases with age. This allows for timely evaluation and treatment options for both partners.

What Leads to Male Infertility

Several health issues can affect a man’s ability to father a child:

  • Varicocele: This condition involves swollen veins in the testicle. It’s the most common fixable cause of male fertility problems. Varicoceles can reduce both sperm quantity and quality.
  • Infections: Some infections can harm sperm production or block sperm passage, such as:
    • Inflammation of the epididymis or testicles
    • Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea
    • HIV
  • Ejaculation Problems: In retrograde ejaculation, semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This can happen because of:
    • Diabetes
    • Spinal injuries
    • Certain medications
    • Surgery on the bladder, prostate, or urethra
  • Immune System Issues: Sometimes the body creates antibodies that attack sperm, treating them as harmful invaders.
  • Tumors: Cancer and non-cancerous growths can affect reproductive organs directly or by affecting hormone-producing glands. Treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can also impact fertility.
  • Undescended Testicles: When testicles don’t move down into the scrotum during fetal development, fertility may be reduced later in life.
  • Hormone Imbalances: Problems with the testicles or with other hormone systems can cause infertility. Low testosterone has many possible causes.
  • Blocked Sperm Pathways: Blockages can occur in any of the tubes that carry sperm due to:
    • Surgical injury
    • Past infections
    • Physical trauma
    • Genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis
  • Genetic Issues: Inherited disorders like Klinefelter’s syndrome can cause abnormal development of reproductive organs. Other genetic conditions linked to infertility include cystic fibrosis and Kallmann’s syndrome.
  • Sexual Function Problems:
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Premature ejaculation
    • Painful intercourse
    • Structural abnormalities
    • Relationship difficulties
  • Celiac Disease: This gluten sensitivity may contribute to male infertility. A gluten-free diet might improve fertility.
  • Medications: Several treatments can reduce sperm production, such as:
    • Testosterone replacement therapy
    • Long-term steroid use
    • Cancer drugs
    • Some medications for ulcers and arthritis
  • Previous Surgeries: Certain operations may prevent sperm from appearing in ejaculate, including:
    • Vasectomy
    • Testicular surgeries
    • Prostate procedures
    • Major abdominal surgeries

Environmental Influences

Too much exposure to certain environmental factors can harm sperm:

  • Industrial Chemicals: Extended contact with certain substances may lower sperm counts, such as:
    • Pesticides
    • Herbicides
    • Organic solvents
    • Paint materials
  • Heavy Metals: Exposure to lead and other heavy metals can cause fertility problems.
  • Radiation: X-rays and other radiation can reduce sperm production. With low doses, this is usually temporary, but high doses can cause permanent reduction.
  • Heat Exposure: High temperatures may impair sperm function, such as:
    • Frequent sauna or hot tub use
    • Sitting for long periods
    • Wearing tight clothing
    • Using laptop computers on the lap for extended times

Research on heat effects isn’t conclusive, but it’s worth considering.

Lifestyle and Health Factors

Daily choices and health conditions can significantly impact fertility:

  • Drug Use: Several substances can harm fertility, including:
    • Anabolic steroids
    • Cocaine
    • Marijuana
  • Alcohol: Drinking can also affect fertility by:
    • Lowering testosterone levels
    • Causing erectile problems
    • Decreasing sperm production
    • Leading to liver disease that affects fertility
  • Tobacco: Smoking is linked to lower sperm counts. Even secondhand smoke may reduce fertility.
  • Body Weight: Obesity can harm fertility by:
    • Directly affecting sperm
    • Causing hormone changes that reduce fertility

For successful conception, a man must produce healthy sperm, transport them into the semen, have enough sperm in the ejaculate, and ensure they can move properly. Problems with any of these steps can make it harder to father a child.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the chance of male infertility:

Lifestyle Choices

  • Tobacco smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Illegal drug use
  • Excess body weight

Physical Conditions

  • Testicle trauma
  • Overheated testicles
  • Undescended testicles in childhood
  • Previous vasectomy
  • Major surgery in the abdominal or pelvic area

Health Factors

  • Current or past infections
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Inherited fertility disorders
  • Family history of fertility problems
  • Chronic health conditions (like sickle cell disease)
  • Tumors
  • Cancer treatments including radiation or surgery
  • Certain medications

These factors may affect sperm production, sperm movement, or block sperm delivery.

Complications

Male infertility can lead to several challenges. Couples often experience significant stress and relationship strain when unable to conceive naturally. Additionally, fertility treatments can be costly and complex.

Research shows men with infertility may face higher risks for certain health issues including testicular cancer, melanoma, and cancers of the colon and prostate.

Ways to Reduce Male Infertility Risks

Not all cases of male infertility can be prevented, but certain lifestyle choices may help reduce risks. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm sperm quality, so it’s best to avoid them.

Illegal drugs can also damage reproductive health, so stay away from them.

Maintaining a healthy body weight through regular exercise and proper nutrition is important. Avoid activities that overheat the testicles, such as hot tubs, saunas, or wearing tight underwear for long periods.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also benefit reproductive health. Additionally, minimize exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides and heavy metals whenever possible.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.