As a woman, you may be worried about why you are unable to conceive. At times, male infertility is the issue. By understanding male infertility, you can ensure your partner gets the treatment he needs, and you can work on conceiving a child.
Male Infertility Overview
Male infertility is a term used to refer to the inability of a man to impregnate a woman who is fertile. The condition comes about because of environmental, medical, lifestyle and genetic factors.
Infertility in men is common, and it involves men’s inability to produce healthy sperm since their reproductive system is impaired. Some of the present issues include having a low sperm count or the sperm’s inability to reach the ovum and fertilize it.
What Causes Infertility Among Men?
- An infection such as orchitis, which is inflammation of the testes, can also lead to male infertility. The main issue is that normal sperm production will be affected. Ailments such as STIs will also bring about infertility. As for the infections, they can be treated, and infertility will no longer be an issue.
Sperm health can also be affected by the environment. The reproductive system will be damaged by the following factors:
- Being exposed to radioactive rays for a prolonged period will affect sperm production.
- When exposed to industrial chemicals such as xylene and herbicides for a prolonged period, you will have a low sperm count.
- Testicular overheating: The testicles can be exposed to high amounts of heat as you shower or even go to the sauna, and the heat can denature the sperm and reduce sperm count.
Some of the lifestyle factors that can cause male infertility include alcohol consumption and stress. When you are stressed, the body cannot produce the hormones that play a crucial role in sperm production. Excessive consumption of alcohol will lead to lower testosterone levels. If you are underweight or overweight, the number of sperm cells can also decrease.
There are genetic causes that generally lead to infertility, and they include Klinefelter syndrome. The condition is inherited, and it involves abnormalities in the reproductive system.
Signs of Male Infertility
The major symptoms of infertility aside from a woman’s not conceiving, include the following:
- Respiratory issues that occur regularly
- Finding it hard to ejaculate during sex
- Swelling around the testicles
- Minimal facial and body hair
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Your condition will be diagnosed early, and the medical practitioner will recommend the most suitable treatment.
Diagnosis
To reach a diagnosis, the physician will request the following:
- General examination—the doctor will examine your genitals physically, and he or she will ask some questions revolving around your family history and any health problems you have.
The doctor can also conduct some genetic tests and a scrotal ultrasound.
Conclusion
Male infertility is an issue that can affect any man. Fortunately, there are different treatment options for the condition. As a woman, you now know the signs you should be on the lookout for in case you are unable to have a child.
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