Identifying the culprits causing infertility in men

Problems with the man account for 25% of the reasons why couples are slow to conceive or are unable to conceive. The main cause is due to certain effects on the spermatogenesis process.

Problems with the man account for 25% of the reasons why couples are slow to conceive or are unable to conceive. The main cause is due to certain effects on the spermatogenesis process. There are many reasons for this condition.

Physical causes

Mumps: A men's nightmare, especially if contracted after puberty, the disease can damage the sperm-producing cells in the testicles. In most cases, only one testicle is affected. In some cases, both testicles are affected, causing sperm production to stop and making conception impossible.

Sperm production disorders: This is the most common cause and can account for up to 50% of cases of azoospermia. This is a complex process that occurs inside the testicles. Genetic abnormalities can also be one of the causes of azoospermia.

Varicocele: This is a condition in which the veins around the testicles become dilated due to poor blood circulation. Instead of allowing blood to escape, the blood stagnates, causing the veins to dilate. The stagnant blood also increases the temperature of the testicles, which hinders sperm production.

Stress is also a cause of reduced sperm quality.

Testicular cancer: Caused by malignant tumors developing in the testicles, destroying testicular tissue and affecting sperm production. If not detected early, not only will it cause infertility, but testicular cancer can also metastasize to other organs, endangering life.

Epididymal abnormalities: In some men, when they ejaculate, the semen does not contain sperm, so conception cannot occur. This may be due to a blockage or abnormality of the epididymis, which prevents sperm from combining with the fluid to form semen.

Surgery or injury: Severe injury to the testicles can affect sperm production, leading to infertility. Sports injuries or accidents can cut off blood flow to the testicles. Additionally, surgery to treat an undescended testicle can also affect sperm production.

Infertility can be caused by the use of certain medications: A history of using certain medications can cause temporary or permanent damage to the spermatogenesis process such as: cancer chemotherapy, hormones, sulphasalazine, spironolactone, blood pressure medications.

In addition, there are some causes that only appear sporadically, which may be due to dysfunction of the vas deferens or pituitary failure: retrograde ejaculation (semen is sent back into the bladder); intercourse without ejaculation (in this case there is no ejaculation reflex so sperm cannot be released); pituitary failure reduces the production of Lh and FSh (Lh stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and FSh stimulates germ cells to produce sperm). If Lh and FSh are reduced, sperm will be reduced.

Causes from habits and living environment

Stress, smoking, drinking alcohol: Overwork, anxiety, stress, alcohol use, smoking all have negative effects on sex and spermatogenesis. Most excessive physical and mental stress can reduce sperm count: emotional stress; work stress or overexertion from sports. Cigarette smoke contains many toxins, including: nicotine, CO, carcinogens, benzene group substances... Cigarettes not only reduce human life expectancy but also reduce fertility. Cigarettes reduce sperm count and mobility. Alcohol and alcoholic beverages also have negative effects on spermatogenesis and sperm health.

High temperature environment: People who work in occupations that require frequent exposure to high temperatures may experience reduced sperm quality. These occupations include blacksmiths, welders, metalworkers, chefs, etc. Furthermore, soaking in hot water for too long, frequent hot baths, saunas, etc. can increase testicular temperature and temporarily impair sperm production.

Radiation and waves from mobile phones are the cause of reduced sperm count: mobile phone waves can destroy male sperm. People who put mobile phones in their pockets and wear them on their belts regularly will have reduced sperm quality. Recently, it has been proven that using a laptop on the lap also reduces sperm count. The cause may be due to the high temperature and magnetic field emitted by the device affecting sperm production.

Chemicals, pesticides, exposure to heavy metals: Some pollutants have been noted to have a clear impact on sperm quality including: free oxygen radicals, insecticides, herbicides, some hydrocarbons (ethylbenzene, benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.), some preservatives, chemicals found in construction materials, furniture, etc. Male infertility can be caused by long-term exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, which reduces sperm count. A very small amount of heavy metals in semen can inhibit many enzymes important for the sperm's fertilization of eggs.

According to SK&DS