Do You Know About These Three Male Infertility Causes?

Did you know that about 15% of couples are unable to conceive after one year of trying? And 10% of couples still can’t get pregnant after two years of trying? Even in light of the statistics, male infertility causes are not typically discussed in open conversation. Why? Sometimes, it’s due to embarrassment. Men who suffer from male infertility may not know where to turn or who to talk to about it. Yet, what you don’t know can hurt you.

What You Need to Know About Male Infertility

Male infertility issues are more common than you may think. In addition, male infertility statistics also illuminate an unidentifiable cause of infertility in up to 50% of cases. Among the top three male infertility causes are:

1. Medical factors
   Low sperm count or poor semen quality, swollen testicular veins (Varicoceles,) pelvic injuries or infections, hormonal imbalances, chromosomal defects, or the use of certain medications can be the cause of fertility issues for men.
2. Environmental factors
   Exposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, or X-rays could contribute to the issue. Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function, so overheating of the testicles—usually due to the frequent use of hot tubs—can also be a major culprit of infertility issues in men.
3. Lifestyle factors
   Drug or alcohol use, smoking, obesity, or stress can reduce sperm count or lower testosterone levels, making way for male infertility issues to arise.

Male Infertility Symptoms—What You Must Know

Knowing male infertility causes is helpful, but what about male infertility symptoms? If you happen to have any of the following issues, it’s best to consult your urologist sooner than later. Discussing your symptoms with a male infertility doctor or specialist can help you narrow the possibilities of what’s really going on, get you the treatment you need, and potentially increase your fertility.

Common male infertility symptoms to be aware of:

• Development of a lump, with or without associated pain and swelling in the testicles
• Problems associated with ejaculation (particularly low volumes of ejaculation fluid)
• Reduced sexual motivation
• Issues with acquiring or maintaining an erection
• Presence of hormonal or chromosomal abnormalities (such as abnormal breast and/or body-hair growth)
• Difficulty achieving a standard sperm count (a total sperm count lower than 39 million per ejaculate)

Things You Can Do

Although there is no straightforward solution for male infertility causes, there are several things you can do to lessen your chances of developing infertility issues—most of which are completely controllable:

• Don’t smoke
  
• Limit or abstain from alcohol
• Steer clear of illicit drugs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid prolonged heat (potentially affecting the testicles)
• Reduce stress
  
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins

We hope one of your takeaways here is that you’re not alone. Urology Associates of South Bend is here to answer the questions you have about male infertility causes.

Facing these issues now doesn’t mean you should abandon all hope. We are here to offer answers and share realistic outcomes. Contact us for a consultation today at 574-234-4100.

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