subject: Recognizing 5 Male Causes of Infertility [print this page] Male infertility was not recognized many centuries ago. Females were always the ones to be blamed whenever a couple was unable to bear children. Male causes of infertility were only recognized and determined in the last fifty years after recent studies confirmed its existence.
Ten percent of the male population in the United States is affected by infertility and at least half of the cases of infertility in couples that were recorded have identified the male as the primary cause.
You will know that you are infertile when no pregnancy has occurred after months to years of unprotected sex. Different male causes of infertility range from physical abnormalities to malfunctions of the reproductive system.
On the bright side, male causes of infertility can be corrected and recognizing these causes is important for you to find out which proper treatment method to apply.
Here are 5 common male causes of infertility:
1. Genetic defects are male causes of infertility that are present since birth. Normally, a male has an X and Y chromosomes. However, if you have genetic defects such as an abnormal development of the testicles, you can have two X and one Y chromosomes and this indicates infertility. More so, it can result to low production of sperm as well as low testosterone levels.
2. When sperm shape is impaired and the movement is erratic, these are also male causes of infertility. Your sperm needs to be in tip-top shape and form in order to move swiftly towards the awaiting egg. The movement of the sperm is also referred to as motility. Motility is the ability of the sperm to make that rigorous journey towards the woman's uterus. Sperm shape is also an indicator of fertility. If sperm is not properly shaped, it may not be able to penetrate the egg.
3. One of the male causes of infertility is called the varicocele. This is the swelling and enlargement of the scrotum. Any occurrence of swelling and inflammation in the male reproductive area can have damaging effect on fertility. It can lead to low sperm count and motility.
4. The most common of all male causes of infertility is low sperm count. You should have at least 20 million sperms per milliliter of semen, according to the World Health Organization. Any number lower than 10 million is an indicator of infertility.
5. There are infections like certain Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) that are also male causes of infertility. Some of these dangerous diseases are Chlamydia and gonorrhea. They can cause scarring and blockage and sperm may not be able to pass through. An infection common among children called mumps is also one of the male causes of infertility that should be avoided. It can cause inflammation of the testicles and reduces the production of sperm.
Male causes of infertility are important indicators of your fertility status. Learn as much as you can about these causes. Together with your partner, visit your doctor for proper tests and diagnosis.
Recognizing 5 Male Causes of Infertility
By: Alice J. John
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