Common Causes Of Male Sub Fertility

                                                                

For the fulfillment  of fertilization process, there are some parameters which has to be met both in men and women.  In men, it is not always possible to find the exact infertility causes like the low sperm count or other parameters, as in females. The reason being that the organs cannot be easily visualized in men as it is deep seated, where as the uterus, tubes and ovaries in women can be fully visualized through laparoscopy to find the exact cause for the problem. 

First of all there should be healthy sperm production and this requires the proper functioning  of at least one  testicle. Secondly the tubes should function normally, so that the produced sperm can be carried to the semen. The sperm count should also be high so that the chances of fertilization is high. In case of low sperm count,  the odds of fertilizing the egg decreases considerably.  The motility function of the sperms are also equally important, because otherwise it cannot reach the egg and the fertilization process do not happen.

Common Causes of infertility in men:-

Infections
Hormone problems

Genetic ( by birth)

Anatomical (structural problems like block)

Ejaculation Issues

Infections:-
Mumps caused by viral infection, which leads to the inflammation of salivary glands located beneath the ear and the upper neck has been known to cause testicular inflammation in some boys which may later lead to infertility.

Infections due to diabetes or sexually transmitted diseases can cause prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) leading to failure to liquefy semen and reduce the quality of semen. Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, syphilis, AIDS etc. often silently cause similar problems. TB can also cause block and is easily overlooked. Appropriate and timely administration of antibiotics will help in controlling infections.

Ejaculation problems :-

Diabetes, spinal injuries and some medications can cause retrograde ejaculation, wherein the semen is ejaculated into the urinary bladder instead of penis.  In these cases sperm can be retrieved using ART (artificial reproductive techniques) and pregnancy can be achieved.

Hormone problems:-

Inadequate hormones like reduced LH, FSH will reduce or altogether stop sperm production. Thyroid and prolactin levels should also be checked. These are easily treatable.

Genetic (chromosome):-

The cause for Azoospermia (absence of sperms) can be due to defective chromosome like as in klinefelter's syndrome(tall men with slightly subnormal I.Q)

Anatomical

Undescended testis in male babies, where testis is located inside Abdomen, should be corrected immediately or else it will result in male sub fertility later in their life. Hypospadiasis (abnormality of urethra and penis) can cause erectile problems due to the abnormal position of urethral meatus, IUI can be done successfully in these cases. Congenital absence of vas (the tube carrying sperm) can result in Azoospermia, PESA/TESA & ICSI can be done to achieve pregnancy. 

Varicocele is one of the main causes for male infertility. It is a condition where veins which drain the testicles  are dilated, surgical correction by Varicocelectomy can be done.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
anitadane@gmail.com
www.giftivf.com
bangaloreivf.blogspot.in

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.