The Many Causes For Male Infertility

Male infertility is a condition that few men are willing to talk about, although many suffer from it. While it is not always curable, there are several reasons for it, many of which can be improved with the help of surgery, medication adjustment, or some lifestyle alterations. There are several causes for the condition, but most of them fall under one of four basic categories.

Vasectomy
Many men choose a permanent form of birth control which is known as a vasectomy. This is a surgical procedure where the vas deferens is cut and then sealed to prevent sperm from leaving the body, resulting in sterile ejaculation. The failure rate is recorded as low as 1 in 2,000 for most forms of this procedure. Although, it does take several initial ejaculations (up to twenty) before all of the sperm is cleared. Surgery is considered low-risk with a quick recovery and little discomfort. Reversal is possible in a few cases, but the costs can be high and success is not always possible. A "clip" form of a vasectomy has become available that involves using a temporary clamp to pinch the vas deferens closed. While easy to reverse, not many studies have been done to test its effectiveness.

Addiction
Male infertility isn't necessarily a permanent condition. The use of drugs and alcohol can suppress the system and be harmful to a man's reproductive health. There are several ways that substances such as alcohol can cause sterility. Less sperm can be produced, which will reduce the odds of impregnation. It isn't only the quantity of sperm that matters, but the quality as well. Malformed sperm that is not healthily developed will also reduce fertility rates. Drugs, especially depressants, will also lower an individual's sex drive. Refraining from using such substances can help increase the odds of a successful impregnation.

Injury
Damage to the testicles can also cause male infertility. The injury would have to be significant to cause a lowered sperm count, but it is possible. It is recommended that men protect themselves during high contact sports such as football by wearing a cup that shields their testicles from contact. While even a mild injury to the testicles can cause intense pain, symptoms of more serious problems include ruptures, bleeding, nausea, or any other associated ache that lasts for an extended period of time. Although rare, testicular torsion, or a twisting of the area, can cut off the sperm permanently if not adjusted manually or surgically by a doctor.

Medical
In most cases of permanent male infertility, there is an underlying medical cause. There are some genetic conditions that render a man permanently sterile such as a lack of vans deferens, or defects on the Y chromosome. Conditions that may be improved through doctor intervention include an obstruction of the vas deferens and infection. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, encompasses several different issues that may be effecting healthy sexual functioning. Reasons for the inability to develop an erection can range from psychological blocks to diabetes.