Male infertility refers to the situation where a man is able to engage in sexual activity normally, but for various reasons, is unable to impregnate the female partner. This condition can be temporary or permanent. The causes of male infertility are diverse, including physiological factors, lifestyle, environmental factors, and more. Here are some of the main reasons that may lead to male infertility:
Physiological Factors
Semen Abnormalities
Semen abnormalities are a significant cause of male infertility. These abnormalities include azoospermia (no sperm), oligospermia (low sperm count), reduced sperm motility, and morphological abnormalities.
Testicular Abnormalities
Testicular abnormalities are also a significant cause of male infertility. These abnormalities include infertility due to unilateral cryptorchidism, infertility due to bilateral cryptorchidism, damage to the primordial germ cells due to unfavorable environmental factors during fetal development, early testicular damage, etc.
Sperm Transport Obstruction
Sperm transport obstruction is another significant cause of male infertility. This obstruction includes blockage of the vas deferens and epididymis due to tuberculosis, hindering the passage of sperm. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other sexual dysfunctions also prevent sperm from entering the female vagina for normal fertilization.
Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy Habits
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol abuse, excessive fatigue, and chronic sleep deprivation may lead to male infertility. These habits can have a negative impact on the male reproductive system, resulting in reduced sperm count, decreased quality, and even other reproductive system diseases.
Improper Diet
Improper diet may also lead to male infertility. For example, excessive consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods and lack of necessary vitamins and minerals may have adverse effects on the male reproductive system.
Environmental Factors
Occupational Exposure
Occupational exposure, such as working in industries involving chemicals, petroleum, mining, etc., may expose men to harmful substances that can affect the male reproductive system and lead to male infertility.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, etc., may also affect the male reproductive system and lead to male infertility.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors may also lead to male infertility. For example, genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome with sex chromosome abnormalities, male Turner syndrome, etc., may cause male infertility.
Immunological Factors
Immunological factors may also lead to male infertility. Due to exposure of sperm to the immune system, antibodies against sperm may be produced in the seminal plasma, causing self-agglutination of ejaculated sperm and preventing fertilization in females.
Genital Infections
Genital infections, such as bacterial, viral, protozoal infections, can directly damage the testes, leading to testicular atrophy, testicular tuberculosis, destruction of testicular tissues, severely affecting sperm production capacity, and reducing sperm activity, leading to infertility.
In conclusion, the causes of male infertility are diverse, including physiological factors, lifestyle, environmental factors, etc. If you suspect that you may have symptoms of male infertility, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
