Dy- Dr. Dakshayani Ravikumar, ART Fertility Clinics, Chennai
Male infertility requires dedicated medical attention. However, the proper diagnosis and treatment can cure it.
Infertility affects about 15% or 48.5 million couples worldwide, of which the male factor is responsible for 20-30% of cases. Yet less than 1% of men in India seek medical attention. Multiple social, psychological, and economic factors lead to this apathy, not making this a priority discussion.
Fertility issues in men are caused by several factors, leading to their inability to produce healthy sperm. An unhealthy sperm means that the sperm is either immature, abnormally shaped, or immotile. Sometimes, male infertility can lead to not producing sperm at all – a condition known as Azoospermia.
Several factors could lead to these conditions, of which the most common ones are:
- Severe Infections or inflammatory diseases.
- Genetic disorders.
- Immune disorders.
- Hormone imbalances.
In addition, sexually transmitted infections and inflammation caused by STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can impair sperm flow by obstructing the genital tubes. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation could also cause the problem.
Besides the reasons outlined above, environmental and lifestyle factors could also lead to male infertility. The most common examples of those are:
- Exposure to excessive heat from hot tubs, saunas, etc.
- Wearing very tight undergarments.
- Prolonged exposure from laptops placed on the lap.
- Excessive exposure to heavy metals, chemicals, and radiation.
Additionally, the age of an individual, their work stress, a loss of diurnal rhythm or abnormal sleep pattern, smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, lack of exercise, exposure to sunlight, or vitamin D deficiency are also factors that contribute to medical complications. Health issues like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, etc., can indirectly lead to infertility.
The most effective way to treat male infertility is to begin by understanding its underlying causes, whether from medical reasons or lifestyle factors. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a discussion of medical history with the doctor, and a semen analysis. Doctors may recommend further tests like scrotal ultrasound, hormone testing, transrectal ultrasound, post-ejaculation urinalysis, testicular biopsy, genetic testing, and sperm function tests to identify the cause of infertility conclusively.
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The diagnosis would be followed by the most appropriate treatment for the underlying cause. It could include counseling, infection treatment, hormone treatment, surgery, or assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
Infertility can be particularly shocking to couples, as they assume conceiving a child is only natural. Unfortunately, that is often not the case, and both male and female fertility may need to be investigated. The important part is that, most often, these conditions are treatable. So, what is essential is to shun the stigma associated with these subjects and take the first move to consult with an infertility specialist.
