MALE INFERTILITY

Male Infertility has assumed an alarming rate in recent times. Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular and unprotected intercourse. More often than not, the woman is blamed for a couple’s inability to bear children and as such she is the one who sets out to find the solution, However, researches have shown that 25-40 percent of cases of infertility are attributable to the man.


CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY

This can be classified broadly into:

 Causes which interfere or disrupt the formation of quality sperm in sufficient quantity.

 Causes which interfere with the transport of the sperm from the testes to the vagina.



FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH SPERM FORMATION

• Environmental conditions which expose the testes to high temperature for a long time would affect sperm formation. Working in an environment where temperatures are usually high, wearing tight fitting underpants, taking hot bathes (say 45c) for 30 minutes every day could reduce the sperm count significantly. Exposure to radiations like x-rays and radioactive substances could also reduce sperm count.

• Medical conditions like Undescended testes and Varicoceles are known to also reduce sperm count significantly. So would medical conditions which affect the testes directly like sexually transmitted infections and mumps.

• An imbalance in or a lack of one or more hormones regulating spermatogenesis cold cause low or non formation of sperm

• Other factors which have been known to interfere with spermatogenesis include alcohol, smoking, accidents and injuries to the testes.


FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH THE TRANSPORT OF SPERMATOZOA

A. Impotence refers to the inability of the man to sustain erection. Ejaculation would only occur in an erect penis. Impotence could be due to structural damage to the penis and it could be psychological.

B. Any obstruction in the ducts which convey sperm from reaching the vagina could cause infertility. Such factors include chronic infections affecting the spermatic cord and the urethra, which may occur in cases of improperly treated sexually transmitted infections. Other causes of such obstruction include accidents and vasectomy (which is a contraceptive procedure).


TREATMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY

The first step in the treatment of Male Infertility is an analysis of the seminal fluid. This test provides information on the quality of the sperm, the sperm count, the volume and the quantity of the seminal fluid.

The semen is produced either by interrupted intercourse or by masturbation after at least two days of abstinence. The specimen collected should reach the laboratory within two hours of production. The nature of the problem would determine which treatment would be prescribed by the doctor.

Some of the causes of Male Infertility are preventable. Males are advised to avoid wearing tight fitting underpants and avoid exposure to excessive heat and radiation. Those in working in radiation environments should observe safety procedures and guidelines.
A man with low sperm count is advised to stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake as these have been known to reduce sperm count. Sexually transmitted diseases and infections should be treated promptly by a medical doctor.