What are signs that a man is infertile?
Low sperm production, poor sperm function, or sperm delivery obstructions can all contribute to male infertility. Male infertility can be caused by illnesses, injuries, persistent health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors.
Symptoms
The inability to conceive a child is the most common symptom of male infertility. There could be no other visible symptoms or indicators.
However, in other situations, signs and symptoms are caused by an underlying problem such as an inherited ailment, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that prevents sperm from passing through. You may notice the following signs and symptoms:
Sexual function issues, such as difficulties ejaculating or ejaculating little amounts of fluid, decreased sexual desire, or problems keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction).
In the testicular area, there may be pain, swelling, or a lump.
Respiratory illnesses that recur.
Inability to detect smell.
Breast growth that isn’t normal (gynecomastia)
Hair loss on the face or body, as well as other symptoms of chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities.
A sperm count that is lower than usual (fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate).
If you haven’t been able to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or if you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor:
Problems with erection or ejaculation, low sex drive, or other sexual function issues
In the testicular area, there may be pain, discomfort, a lump, or swelling.
Testicular, prostate, or sexual disorders in the past
- Surgery on the crotch, testicles, penis, or scrotum 1.Changes in sexual desire
The health of a man’s hormones is also linked to his fertility. Changes in virility, which are often influenced by hormones, could suggest fertility problems.
2.Testicle pain or swelling
There are a variety of disorders that can cause pain or swelling in the testicles, and many of them can lead to infertility.
3.Problems maintaining erection
The capacity of a man to keep an erection is frequently tied to his hormone levels. Hormones may be reduced as a result, which could make it difficult to conceive.
4.Issues with ejaculation
Inability to ejaculate, on the other hand, is a symptom that it’s time to see a doctor.
5.Small, firm testicles
Because the testes are where a man’s sperm is stored, testicle health is critical to male fertility. Small or firm testicles may suggest a problem that should be examined by a medical professional.
Causes of male infertility
Several factors influence natural male reproduction.
You must be able to do the following:
Produce healthy sperm capable of fertilising the egg
Make an erection and ejaculate in order for the sperm to reach the egg.
If you have issues with one of these, you may be experiencing infertility. Some of the most common reasons of male infertility are listed below.
Sperm disorders: Male infertility is most commonly caused by issues in producing healthy sperm. Sperm that is immature, irregularly shaped, or unable to swim are all possibilities. You may not have enough sperm in various instances. Alternatively, you might not be able to produce any sperm. Many distinct circumstances might cause this issue, including:
Infections or inflammatory diseases are both possible causes. Infection with the mumps virus after puberty is one case.
Problems with the pituitary gland or hormones
Immune disorders in which antibodies are produced against your own sperm
Environmental and lifestyle variables are both important. Tobacco usage, heavy alcohol use, marijuana or steroid use, or exposure to pollutants are all examples.
Genetic illnesses like cystic fibrosis and hemochromatosis.
Structural problems: The flow of sperm can be stopped by anything that obstructs the vaginal tube. It’s possible that this is a hereditary or congenital defect. Semen can also be blocked by infection or inflammation caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Scar tissue from surgery or twisted, bulging veins in the scrotum are two other explanations.
Other factors: Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation are two more possible causes. Infertility can be caused by a variety of issues, including liver or renal disease, as well as treatment for seizure disorders.
Risk factors
If you’ve had any of the following, you’re more likely to develop male infertility:
Prostate inflammation or genital infections in the past
Torsion of the testicles or injury to the testicles
Early puberty or Late puberty
The genitals are exposed to high temperatures.
Repairing a hernia
Testicles that haven’t descended
If you use certain prescription medications, you may be at risk. Medicines for ulcers, psoriasis, depression, and high blood pressure are among them.
Diagnosis of male infertility
A physical exam and a review of your medical history will be performed by your healthcare professional. Other tests for infertility in men could include:
Sperm count (semen analysis): On separate days, at least two semen samples are obtained. Many factors will be checked on the sperm and semen by your provider. These factors include the amount of semen produced, its uniformity, and acidity. He or she will also consider the number of sperm you produce, how well they travel, and their form.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be used by your doctor to examine hormone levels and rule out other issues.
Other tests: These tests are performed by your clinician to determine the cause of sperm abnormalities or male reproductive system health issues. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, for example, can be performed to examine your testicles, blood vessels, and structures within the scrotum.
Testicular biopsy: If your sperm study reveals that you have few or no sperm, your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from each testicle. A microscope will be used to examine the sample.
Infertility affects about 15 to 20% of couples who are seeking to start a family. 40 percent of the time, female factor infertility is to account, while 30 to 40 percent of the time, male factor infertility is to blame. Infertility is caused by a combination of these causes 20 to 30% of the time.
Male infertility is linked to testicular cancer and poor health caused by a variety of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Infertile men are also more likely to die than fertile men. These links do not imply that every infertile guy will get disease or die young, but they do serve as a reminder to take care of yourself and seek medical advice if you have any health issues. Fertility issues can cause a lot of stress for both partners, so talk to your doctor about couple’s counselling so you and your spouse can support each other the best you can.
Conclusion
Many couples want to start a family, and infertility issues can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. Ironically, stress can lead to infertility in a couple by badly impacting intimate relationships, which is why it’s critical to get professional, expert guidance early on. Infertility issues can often be resolved, and simply knowing the problem can be the first step toward enhancing a couple’s ability to conceive.
You’re not alone if you’ve been diagnosed with infertility or think you might have problems conceiving in the future. In this discipline, the medical industry is constantly progressing. Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your concerns. Even if you’ve been told you’re infertile, you might still be able to conceive.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/male-infertility?amp=true