Infertility can affect both men and women. In fact, many men face challenges in conceiving a child with their partner, and this can be caused by several factors, including biological or environmental influences. At times, it can also be a combination of different things. Fortunately, there are now plenty of treatment strategies for male infertility and specialists that work to diagnose and treat it.
If you’re in New Zealand, seeking the help of a urologist Auckland patients trust is the first step to consider if you’re experiencing infertility. A urologist can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis to determine the cause of your health concern. Afterwards, they can also provide you with a suitable treatment plan to support you in your goal of becoming a father.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the various causes of male infertility. By exploring these various factors, we can gain insight into the complexities of the condition and the array of treatment options available.
Causes of Male Infertility
Low Sperm Count
One common culprit of male infertility is oligospermia, more commonly known as having a low sperm count. Particularly, it’s when the semen contains fewer sperm cells than are necessary for a successful fertilization of the female egg. This can occur for different reasons. They include hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, or lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or exposure to environmental toxins.
Poor Sperm Motility or Morphology
Another contributing factor that can lead to male infertility is poor sperm motility or asthenospermia. This refers to sperm cells’ inability to swim efficiently towards the egg for fertilization. Even if the sperm count is normal, poor motility can significantly reduce the chances of conception. Aside from this, any abnormalities in sperm morphology, known as teratospermia, can also hinder fertilization. When sperm have irregular shapes or sizes, they may struggle to penetrate the egg’s protective outer layer.
Issues with the Reproductive System
Sometimes, however, there’s nothing wrong with the sperm cells. A man experiencing infertility could instead have structural issues within their reproductive system. For example, if there are blockages or obstructions in the vas deferens or abnormalities in the testes, they can prevent the sperm from being ejaculated or reaching the egg.
Hormonal Imbalance
A man’s hormone levels can also contribute to infertility. If the patient has low testosterone levels or there are disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, these can interfere with sperm production and function. As such, it can further complicate their fertility situation.
Genetics, Lifestyle, and Environmental Causes
Even a healthy man can have fertility issues due to his genetics. That’s because some genetic conditions can affect sperm production, quality, or motility. There could, for example, be abnormalities in his chromosomes that lead to infertility.
Apart from genetics, lifestyle choices and environmental factors also contribute to infertility. Someone who is exposed to environmental toxins, radiation, or excessive heat may experience impaired sperm production. The same goes for men who develop habits like smoking and drug use or develop medical conditions like obesity. These factors can negatively impact sperm quality and fertility.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
While some men struggle with infertility, the good news is that a wide range of treatment options are available for them. Depending on the underlying causes of infertility and their specific needs, the appropriate treatment approach can vary from one person to another.
Lifestyle Changes
When it comes to male infertility treatments, one approach is to modify one’s lifestyle. This means exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress. Typically, these practices can significantly improve sperm quality and overall fertility.
Medical Interventions
There are situations where lifestyle changes alone will not be not enough. In such cases, medical intervention may be necessary. For example, hormonal therapies can help correct imbalances and stimulate sperm production. There are also surgical procedures that can address structural issues such as blockages in the reproductive tract or varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum).
Counselling and Support
Male infertility can also have an emotional impact on patients. Dealing with fertility issues can be emotionally challenging. It could lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. This is why counselling and support services are also often part of infertility treatment plans. Patients can consider seeking professional support to help them navigate the emotional and mental challenges brought about by the condition.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
In addition to these options, you can also ask your doctor about assisted reproductive technologies. These are procedures that help patients overcome infertility by bypassing barriers to conception. Often, couples choose these when the natural approach is unsuccessful.
Techniques such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are some examples. They involve retrieving sperm from the male partner and fertilizing eggs in a laboratory setting before transferring embryos into the female partner’s uterus.
Male infertility may be more common than most people think. It can be caused by various biological, lifestyle, or environmental factors. That said, this doesn’t mean that those struggling with infertility can no longer be fathers. With the help of medical advancements and personalized treatment approaches, they have a chance to overcome male infertility. So if you suspect yourself to have infertility issues, reach out to a urologist. The right specialist can provide you with a proper diagnosis, tailored treatment options, and the right kind of support to help you in your journey of beating infertility.
