Male Infertility Causes

There are several male infertility causes, a case of no sperm, or no good sperm will normally have an explanation behind it. Problems from various stages in life can cause infertility at a later time. During an orgasm a man can ejaculate anywhere between 100 million and 750 million sperm, although only a very small percentage will actually make it to the fallopian tube.

To have a good chance of conception, sperm have to be 'motile', they have to behave like they have a goal! - Fertilizing your egg. If they just swim helplessly round and round, then they are far less motile than the ones with a mission. The sperm also has to be shaped like sperm and not malformed.

The only male infertility symptoms you may experience is the inability to get pregnant.

Some male infertility causes

Here are a few causes of male infertility, although this list is not complete, these are common causes of male infertility.

• Sperm can become trapped inside the testicles.
• STD's (Sexually transmitted diseases) can cause male tube damage.
• Varicoceles, this is where the veins around the testicles enlarge.
• Vasectomy reversal can lead to low quality sperm.
• Hormonal problems can lead to poor quality or or low levels of sperm.

• Mumps, if your man had mumps as a child, this could have caused a drop in sperm production.
• Some genetic illnesses can cause male infertility.
• Some cancer treatments can cause damage to the cells that produce sperm.
• Testicles that didn't descend at birth and can cause poor quality sperm and reduced sperm production.

Other infertility causes in men

There are of cause other factors that can cause male infertility. These can be psychological as well as medical problems.

Erectile dysfunction, if your partner finds it hard to get and maintain an erection, this will cause problems with conception.

Lifestyle and stress can also be factors in how fertile you partner is.

Some recreational drugs can affect sperm production. Medicinal prescribed drugs can also have an effect on the quality of sperm. If you are taking a prescribed drug, make sure that your GP knows that you are planning to start a family. Some Anabolic steroids will cease sperm production completely!

Testing for male infertility causes

If you and you partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year (it doesn't happen overnight, and it is advisable to give it 12 months) it may be advisable to visit your GP.

Tests for male infertility may include:

• Semen analysis.
• Medical history check.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Some forms of genetic testing.
• Sperm function testing.
• X-rays.
• Testicular biopsy.

Once the reason for male infertility has been established, then arrangements can be made for treatments.

To find out more about male infertility treatments, click here. Return from male infertility causes to the getting pregnant page.

Or back to the new baby and beyond homepage.

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