Male infertility: causes and prevention
The male reproductive cell is very small, just 50 micrometers. And in order to reach the egg and fertilize it, the spermatozoa need to travel 20 thousand times their own size. If spermatozoa are not able to do that, men are given a disappointing diagnosis of "infertility". Male infertility is a disease of the reproductive system in which spermatozoa are either not formed at all, or they are not able to reach the female germ cells.
According to the world Health Organization, about 15% of couples of reproductive age cannot conceive a child. Moreover, in 4 cases out of 10, the male is infertile.
To be fair, the situation is not hopeless in every case. Male infertility can be treated. Additionally, according to statistics, treatment success rate in men is 13% higher than in women. If the remedy is chosen correctly, one out of four men can become a father.
The main causes of male infertility include:
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is a factor in 20% of all male infertility cases.
Varicose veins
That can also affect the veins located on the testicles. 16% of men suffer from varicocele. Varicocele is when veins in the scrotum swell and get enlarged, which leads to a change in the temperature, therefore, low sperm production and decreased sperm quality.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases, in which antibodies can damage or kill sperm, in 31% of cases lead to male infertility.
Infectious diseases
10% of men cannot have offspring due to infectious diseases. That's not just sexually transmitted diseases. The cause of infertility can be, for example, mumps and brucellosis.
Congenital diseases of genital organs
12% of men have infertility problems due to pathology of the genital system.
Inflammation of the prostate and the ureter
In 8% of cases, the cause of infertility is inflammation of the prostate and the ureter.
The reasons of a sexual nature
An inability to attain and maintain an erection is another reason for male infertility.
Urologists from Barcelona conducted a study in which it was found that about 84% of couples within a year can get pregnant naturally if they engage in regular unprotected sex.
If repeated attempts to conceive a child are failed, men should test their reproductive system. Fertility tests include:
- To undergo a semen analysis. This analysis can determine the fertilizing ability of the seminal fluid and reveal the existing diseases of the genital system
- The biochemical semen analysis. This analysis will help you find out what part of the reproductive system is problematic (the prostate, seminal vesicles, testicular appendages)
- Ultrasound of the prostate and scrotum
- To test for sexually transmitted diseases
- To test sex hormone levels, as well as thyroid hormones
- Biochemical blood test
According to global statistics, in every sixth marriage, the couple can not conceive a child. The situation gets even more complicated because of the environment, sexual infections spread and other diseases. In any case, male infertility, like many other diseases, is easier to prevent than to treat. The following recommendations can help:
Regular physical activity
Exercising will help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
Avoid weight gain
Extra pounds lead to cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, excess adipose tissue in men results in more oestrogen (the female hormone) and less testosterone (the male hormone).
Stick to a varied and balanced diet
The quality of semen depends on the food you eat.
Use things like sauna, bathhouse and other places of a lot of heat less
Because of the high temperature, the production of germ cells in the testicles may be disrupted.
Do not wear tight underwear
Tight underwear harms the functioning of the testicles by raising temperature.
Have sex regularly
Urologists recommend having sex 2-4 times a week. That will help maintain the quality of seminal fluid.
Quit Smoking
Smoking reduces the density of spermatozoa, their number and also negatively affects the DNA in the sperm cells.
Thus, being aware of the causes of infertility, its diagnosis, as well as ways to prevent this disease, you will be much more likely to conceive a child. The main thing is to consider this a serious matter and follow the above-mentioned recommendations.
