The Most Common Causes of Male Infertility

So, what exactly causes male infertility? The truth is that there are multiple factors that can play a role in male infertility. Here is a brief list of common conditions and issues that can cause male infertility:

• Sperm abnormalities (such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Unhealthy lifestyle (e.g. smoking and substance abuse)
• Lack of proper nutrition
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
• Genetics
• Varicocele (varicose veins in the scrotum)
• Male reproductive tract obstruction (blockage of the ducts)
• Hormonal imbalance

What is Sperm Motility?

Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to travel through the female reproductive system to fertilize an egg. Therefore, “poor sperm motility” means that sperm have difficulty traveling through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg, and that means a lowered probability of conception.

Strategies to Improve Male Fertility

The good news is that male fertility can be improved in several ways. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical professional or healthcare physician. The physician will likely take a history and perform a physical exam to diagnose the likely cause of infertility. A medical professional will also order tests and recommend treatment options:

• Semen analysis to evaluate the quantity and quality of sperm
• Blood tests to evaluate male hormone levels
• Imaging tests to look for structural problems in the reproductive system
• Genetic testing to identify the underlying cause of infertility and determine if there is a risk of transmitting a genetic defect to the child
• Recommend lifestyle modifications and supplements for men

Making simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol or substance use can improve general health and male fertility. The use of supplements may help improve male fertility potential. Supplements can provide a man’s reproductive system with the essential nutrients that it needs to produce strong, healthy sperm. Supplements for men can help balance hormones and promote overall health. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair varicoceles or remove any obstructions in the reproductive tract.