Studies prove that approximately one in every five couples in the United States seeks sterility care. Surprisingly only 50% of them achieve pregnancy and about one in every ten couples in developed countries are found to be involuntarily infertile. Male infertility accounts for almost half of these cases, thus making it a severe issue. Despite relative importance of male infertility, its evaluations have traditionally focused on women. This is mostly because women tend to seek gynecological care, and men are often reluctant for the same.
The causes of male infertility can be sourced down to a number of reasons. These include disorders ranging from hormonal disturbances, physical abnormalities to psychological disorders. There are many treatments available, but not all are effective. There are many instances of male infertility proving the cause to be testicular damage. Which in-turn results in the failure of sperm production. Post damage, the testicle will not usually regain its sperm-making capabilities. This crucial facet of male infertility is similar to the menopause phase of women and cannot usually be treated. Notwithstanding medicine’s limited expertise to treat male infertility, many successful treatment options are available. Besides testicular damage, the vital causes of male infertility are poor sperm quality and low sperm production. The important aspect is to spot the correct cause and avail the treatment accordingly.
Also Read: 3 Most Common Causes of Infertility in Men
Procedure for fertility test
The male infertility test is a major step towards knowing the reason for the same. It is as much as art as science. However, methods differ according to respective specialists but here are a few tests that can be conducted efficiently.
Semen analysis:
The sperm analysis is the most important part of the male infertility test. It provides an accurate measurement of the sperm, its mobility, and morphology.
A trained expert first tests the man’s sperm count and other variables. Usually, more number of standard shaped sperms account for higher fertility. But there are exceptional cases too. Many men with abnormal semen or low sperm counts are fertile. Around 15% of infertile men have standard sperm.
If the first semen test is normal, the doctor may ask for a second test to confirm the reports. Two tests are conducted to understand if a person has any notable infertility problems. If something looks abnormal in the results, the doctor might recommend further tests to identify the problem.
Surprisingly, the case of Azoospermia can be cured. It is a state where no sperm or semen is present. Such an issue can be corrected with surgery and fertility drugs.
How does male infertility occur?
The most prevalent causes of male infertility are related to sperm. These are issues revolve around sperm count and quality of sperm. The most common sperm-related problems include:
• Low sperm count • Low mobility, wherein the sperm does not move quickly and dies before reaching the egg. • Sperms that are not produced accurately • Seminal fluid is too thick. Thus, sperm can’t travel around in it very easily. • No sperm present.
Also Read: Do Cell Phones Affect Men’s Fertility?
Sperm-related problems may result from excessive or inadequate amount of hormones that guide the sperm making process. Another ground for male infertility is a problem with semen secretion. In a few cases, the tubes present inside the male reproductive organs are blocked and ejaculation is an issue. Sometimes, the ejaculation retreats back from the prostate into the bladder instead of discharging out of body. In many cases, there is no basis for male infertility. This is known as unexplained infertility. This can be a wearisome diagnosis. But even if someone is diagnosed with unexplained male infertility, there are possible treatment options available.
Conclusion: Excessive tension and rising pollution levels can also cause male infertility. However, a critical analysis is a must to know the cause of the problem. Infertility can be present in both male and female, although proper treatment and guidance can solve the issue. Be informed and diagnose accurately to sustain a healthy life.
