Causes & Treatment for Male Infertility

What are the signs of infertility in males?

Changes in hair growth: Male pattern baldness or other changes in hair growth can be a sign of hormonal imbalances that can affect fertility.

Changes in sexual desire: A decrease in sex drive or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can indicate a problem with male fertility.

Pain, lump, or swelling in the testicles: These symptoms can be caused by various conditions such as varicocele, testicular injury, or infection. These can also affect sperm production and quality.

Problems with erections and ejaculation: Difficulty with ejaculation, such as premature or delayed ejaculation, can make it difficult to conceive.

Small, firm testicles: Small or abnormally shaped testicles can indicate a hormonal imbalance or a problem with the development of the reproductive system.

Can male infertility be treated?

Yes, male infertility can be treated in many cases depending on the underlying cause. Some of the common treatments for male infertility are:

1. Surgery: Surgery is recommended in cases where a physical obstruction is preventing the sperm from being released. For example, a varicocele (enlargement of veins in the scrotum) can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens can be repaired. In some cases, prior vasectomies can be reversed.

2. Medications: Certain medications can help to improve sperm production, motility, and quality. These medications can include hormone treatments or antibiotics to treat infections.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): ART involves the use of specialized techniques to assist with reproduction. These techniques include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These methods can be used to bypass problems with sperm count or quality.

4. Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can also help improve male fertility. These changes may include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress levels.

Can a man go from infertile to fertile?

It is possible for a man to go from being infertile to fertile. The first step in determining the cause of infertility in men is to undergo a semen analysis. This test evaluates the quality and quantity of sperm in a man's semen.

If the semen analysis reveals low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology, the man may undergo additional tests to determine the cause of the infertility. These tests may include a physical exam, blood tests to check hormone levels, and genetic tests.

Once the underlying cause of infertility is identified, treatment options may be recommended. These can include surgery to correct issues such as varicoceles or blockages in the reproductive tract, medications to increase sperm production, or lifestyle changes to improve overall health and fertility.

It is important to note that even men with low sperm counts or abnormal semen can still be fertile, and about 15% of infertile men have normal semen and plenty of normal sperm. Therefore, it is recommended that couples seek professional help if they have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success.

What are signs of unhealthy sperm?

Low sperm count symptoms might include:

Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)

Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area.

Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality.

How can I check my sperm count at home?

Home sperm tests are a convenient and affordable way to check a man's sperm count in the privacy of his own home. While sperm count is just one of many factors that contribute to male fertility, it is an important one that can affect a man's ability to conceive with his partner.

To perform a home sperm test, a man will typically need to ejaculate into a collection cup provided by the test kit. The exact procedure for transferring the semen and completing the test may vary depending on the specific product, but generally involves mixing the semen with a solution provided in the kit and then transferring a small amount of the mixture onto a testing device.

Most home sperm tests work by detecting a protein found only in sperm called human sperm protein (HSP). HSP is a reliable marker of sperm count because it is only produced by sperm cells and is not present in other fluids that may be present in semen, such as urine or prostatic fluid. The testing device will typically contain antibodies that bind specifically to HSP, allowing the concentration of sperm in the sample to be measured.

Results from home sperm tests are typically available in as soon as 10 minutes, although some kits may require a longer incubation time. The results are usually displayed as a color change on the testing device or as a digital readout. However, it's important to note that home sperm tests may not be as accurate as laboratory tests performed by a healthcare provider. If a man is concerned about his fertility, he should consider speaking with a healthcare provider who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and provide personalized recommendations.

Can a man with no sperm have a baby?

Yes, a man with no sperm in his ejaculate can still have a baby thanks to advanced medical treatments. This condition is called azoospermia, and it affects about 5% of infertile men.

Azoospermia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, infections, and blockages in the male reproductive tract. In some cases, the absence of sperm may be temporary, while in others it may be permanent.

For men with azoospermia who want to have a biological child, there are several options available. One possibility is to retrieve sperm directly from the testes or epididymis through a procedure called testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, and the retrieved sperm can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

ICSI is a technique that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, bypassing the need for the sperm to fertilize the egg on its own. This can be a highly effective way to achieve fertilization, even with very low numbers of sperm or poor sperm quality.

What color is healthy sperm?

Healthy sperm is typically white or whitish-gray in color, although it can sometimes appear slightly yellowish or translucent. The color and consistency of semen can vary from person to person, and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, hydration, and frequency of ejaculation.

While variations in semen color are generally nothing to worry about, there are some instances where a change in color may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, yellow semen can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or other health issues.

How many times a man can release the sperm in a day?

It's difficult to determine an exact number of times a man can release sperm in a day because it can vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and sexual activity. The commonly cited number of 21 times per month is actually an average derived from a study that looked at the frequency of ejaculation and its potential impact on prostate cancer risk.

That study found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who ejaculated less frequently. However, it's important to note that this study only identified a correlation, and it does not prove that ejaculation directly prevents prostate cancer.

Why does my sperm smell bad?

Semen typically has a slightly musky or chlorine-like odor, but it should not have a strong or foul smell. If your semen smells bad, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

One common cause of foul-smelling semen is an infection in the genital tract, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections can cause inflammation and discharge from the penis, which can affect the smell and appearance of semen.

Another potential cause of bad-smelling semen is a condition called retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when semen is redirected into the bladder rather than being expelled through the penis during ejaculation. This can be caused by certain medications or conditions that affect the muscles and nerves that control ejaculation.

In some cases, a bad smell may be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet or alcohol consumption. Eating certain foods, such as asparagus or garlic, can make your semen smell pungent, as can drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol. If this is the case, limiting these foods and drinks may help to improve the smell of your semen.

If you are experiencing foul-smelling semen, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and whether any treatment is necessary. In many cases, treating an underlying infection or making lifestyle changes can help to improve the smell of semen.

What stops a man from coming?

There are several factors that can cause a man to experience difficulty reaching orgasm, also known as delayed ejaculation. These may include:

1. Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can interfere with the ability to ejaculate.

2. Health conditions: Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or prostate problems can cause delayed ejaculation.

3. Substance misuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, can interfere with sexual function and delay ejaculation.

4. Mental health concerns: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can interfere with sexual function and lead to delayed ejaculation.

5. Relationship problems: Stress, poor communication, and other relationship issues can affect sexual function and make it difficult to reach orgasm.

6. Surgery: Certain surgeries, such as prostate surgery, can cause nerve damage that affects ejaculation.

Causes of Male Infertility

Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Abnormal sperm production or function: This can be due to a variety of factors such as genetic defects, undescended testicles, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps, HIV, or other health problems such as diabetes.

2. Varicocele: This is a condition in which the veins in the testicles become enlarged, causing a decrease in sperm quality.

3. Blockage in the reproductive system: A blockage can occur anywhere in the male reproductive system, such as the epididymis, vas deferens, or ejaculatory ducts, preventing the release of sperm.

4. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or high prolactin levels, can affect sperm production and function.

5. Erectile dysfunction: This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, anxiety, or health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, and can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

6. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or radiation, can affect sperm production and function.

7. Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity, can all affect fertility.