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Male infertility is the inability of a man to impregnate a fertile woman. According to studies, there are 40 to 50% of cases of infertility among humans.
Sterility is caused by various reasons, including nutrient deficiencies in the semen. In order to make treatment easier, the causes of infertility are classified under three distinct factors: the pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular factors.
Pre-testicular
This refers to the conditions that hinder proper testes function. It also involves accounts of poor general health and hormonal support.
One factor that causes male infertility is cigarette smoking. Reports say that smoking more than 20 sticks a day will likely reduce sperm motility and sperm count. Alcohol and drugs are likewise recognized as major factors that affect fertility.
Medications that affect spermatogenesis like cimetidine, anabolic steroids, spironolactone and chemotherapy also contribute to the reduction of sperm production.
Testicular
This factor pertains to ailments that cause inadequate production of semen and/or poor semen quality regardless of proper hormonal support.
Mumps orchitis is also considered as one of the testicular infertility causes. Although it seldom triggers sterility nowadays, the development of this common male adult illness damages the sperm producing cells in their testes, resulting to the drop in sperm count. In less serious cases, the production of sperm may only cease temporarily, for a span of about 6-12 months.
Aside from mumps and vices, infertility is also considered as a “byproduct” of aging.
Studies showed that men, as early as 30, will have decreased fertility. Those in their forties were also said to have poorer fecundity results.
Post-testicular
Post-testicular causes of infertility may be due to cases that involve the interruption of the male genital system during the process of sperm production. Also, cases that include genital tract defects and ejaculation issues may set sterility off.
Additionally, a rare men infertility case called retrograde ejaculation also occurs when the release of semen reverses; the male ejaculation goes back up into the bladder. This condition sometimes results from a previous urethral surgery.
Other causes of infertility may also include:
- Impotence
- Hypospadias
- Ejaculatory duct obstruction
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Postatitis and related infections
- Lack of Vas deferens
- Vas deferens obstruction
- Overheated testicles
- Very frequent sexual activity, especially when ejaculating two to three times a day
In general, male infertility is often caused by an underlying medical condition as well as general unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Tags: causes male infertility, causes of infertility, infertility causes, Male infertility, men infertility
