Sperm River

Male Infertility: Causes, Types & Symptoms

Male infertility refers to a man’s inability to contribute to conception. It may result from issues with sexual function, sperm quality, hormonal imbalances, or blockages in the reproductive tract. While not all cases are curable, many can be improved with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

Common Causes of Male Infertility:

• Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal shape

• Decreased libido (low sex drive)

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or prolactin

• Use of medications like anabolic steroids, antidepressants, or chemotherapy

• Infections or inflammation in the urinary tract or testicles

• Excess pus in semen, often linked to infection (e.g., gonorrhea)

• Pain or burning during urination, ulcers or discharge

• Exposure to toxins, smoking, alcohol, stress, or obesity

• Genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome

Types of Male Infertility:

1. Sperm Production Disorders:
   Low sperm count (oligospermia), no sperm (azoospermia), or poor quality sperm.

2. Obstructive Infertility:
   Blockages in the reproductive tract (vas deferens, epididymis) that prevent sperm from reaching semen.

3. Ejaculation Disorders:
   Premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder), or absent ejaculation.

4. Hormonal Imbalance:
   Insufficient production of testosterone or pituitary hormones.

5. Immunologic Infertility:
   The body produces antibodies that attack sperm.

6. Lifestyle-related Infertility:
   Linked to unhealthy habits, substance abuse, or environmental exposure.

7. Genetic Causes:
   Conditions like chromosomal abnormalities affecting sperm production.

Signs & Diagnosis:

Male infertility often has no visible symptoms. The most common sign is difficulty conceiving after regular unprotected sex. It is usually diagnosed through semen analysis and hormonal tests. Infections like gonorrhea may also present with painful urination, burning, ulcers, or pus in semen.