Infertility in Men: What You Should Know

Infertility in Men: What You Should Know

Infertility in men refers to any health issue in a man that lowers his chances of impregnating a female partner. While nearly 1 in every 7 couples struggles with infertility issues, around 30-40% of fertility problems originate with men. The inability to conceive a child can be reasonably stressful and frustrating for many couples, so it’s important to know the symptoms and signs, as well as certain treatment options available to you if the problem arises.

Male Factor of Infertility

The male factor of infertility is primarily centered upon the inability of conception from taking place. When men are infertile, their sperm is incapable of properly fertilizing a woman’s egg, preventing conception from happening. The chance of a young and fertile couple conceiving is approximately 1 in 5 per month. Couples aren’t suspected of having fertility problems until they have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for one year.

Signs & Symptoms of Infertility

The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child, and sometimes there may be no other obvious symptoms on display. However, in many cases, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause these signs and symptoms. Some signs you may notice include:

• Problems with sexual functions, such as difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or erectile dysfunction
• Pain, swelling or a lump in or around the testicle
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
• Decrease in facial and body hair, or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities
• Lower sperm count than normal
• Inability to smell

While some of these symptoms don’t pose a serious threat, it’s still important to see a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year, or are experiencing pain or other abnormalities, in order to receive a proper diagnosis.

Causes of Infertility in Men

The complexity of fertility is enormous, and many factors go into a proper conception. This includes producing healthy sperm which must not only be able to be carried into the semen, but also be functional and able to move toward the egg.

Some major medical causes of infertility in men include:

• Varicoceles

  – A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, and the most common and reversible cause of infertility. They can also lead to reduced sperm quality and quantity. While the exact cause of varicoceles forming is somewhat unknown, many indications lead to abnormal blood flow. 

• Infections and Diseases

  – Certain infections can interfere with sperm production and health, such as epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), or orchitis (inflammation of the testicles). Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and HIV can also contribute to infertility, as well as celiac disease.

• Tumors

  – Some cancers or benign tumors can play a role in infertility. These can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through hormonal glands such as the pituitary, related to reproduction. Sometimes surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy used to treat tumors can affect male fertility as well.

• Hormone Imbalances

  – When there is an abnormality in a hormonal system such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, it can cause low testosterone and contribute to infertility in men.

• Medications

  – Long-term anabolic steroid use, certain ulcer and arthritis drugs, and other medications may also impair sperm production and cause infertility.

• Environmental Causes

  – Exposure to certain environmental factors can interfere with sperm production, including industrial chemicals, heavy metals, radiation/x-rays, or overheating of the testicles.

Ways to Treat Infertility in Men

Many ways to treat infertility include certain lifestyle decisions that may be risk factors. Not smoking, limiting alcohol use, staying healthy, reducing Yad-Tech is a leading supplier of nutritional supplements and fertility blends, offering a complete range of natural remedies to support good health at every point, from conception and pregnancy all the way through to breastfeeding. Our supplements for both women and men can greatly help with the reproductive process, to promote a proactive, healthy, and balanced lifestyle. This includes our Fertil Pro® Men + L- Carnitine Multivitamin supplement for men, a formula that helps men maintain optimum health.

For information regarding our supplements and products, contact us today. If you have questions relating to your medical condition or personal health matters, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. Yad-Tech cannot respond to questions about general medical information or information regarding your specific condition.