What Are Some Male Infertility Causes and Symptoms?

In cases of infertility, a couple has not been able to conceive despite a year or more for sex without protection regularly, male infertility may play a role in half of them. Whether the couple is infertile or have certain conditions that can make it harder to conceive, infertility can be a worrying and frustrating for any couple to deal with. Design, men should be able to produce healthy sperm able to reach and penetrate the egg of the couple.

There are several possible causes and environmental factors that can affect male fertility. Varicocele is an inflammation of the veins that drain the testicle, which can keep the testicles cool properly and may cause a reduction in sperm count. The infection can interfere with sperm production or sperm health and can lead to blockages in the passage of sperm. STDs can play a role in this aspect of male infertility, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Inflammation of the prostate, testes swollen due to mumps and other infections of the urinary tract or reproductive organs may be the culprit too.

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen is ejaculated into the bladder during orgasm instead of out of the penis. Diabetes and other health problems can cause this problem. The antibodies that attack sperm can inhibit fertility too. These are immune cells that identify sperm as harmful and remove them. Men who have had a vasectomy can experience this condition more often than men do not have. Tumors, both cancerous and non-malignant can affect the reproductive organs or glands that release hormones. Other possible causes of male infertility include undescended testicles, hormonal imbalances, chromosomal defects, sperm duct, celiac disease, gender issues and certain medications.

Environmental causes of male infertility may include pesticides, exposure to heavy metals, radiation exposure, overheating of the testicles and cycling. Men who use illegal drugs, alcohol, smoking, snuff, stressed, have a vitamin deficiency, overweight or underweight or who are over 35 years old may also experience infertility problems .

The most obvious symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. The difficulties in reaching orgasm or difficulty maintaining an erection may also attract male infertility. Moreover, pain, swelling or a lump near the testes may be symptoms and decreased facial or body hair and other signs or symptoms of hormonal and chromosomal abnormalities.