Infertility is a common health problem, characterised by the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It occurs in both males and females and affects around 17.5% (roughly 1 in 6) of the adult population worldwide, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
As far as male infertility is concerned, globally, it has affected more than 5.6 crore men up to 2019, reports a study published in the BMC Public Health. Researchers noted that the prevalence of male infertility has increased from 1990 to 2019, with a growth rate of 76.9% compared to 1990. The alarming numbers emphasise the need to increase high-quality fertility care for people, which is only possible with increased awareness. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kalyani Shrimali, Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Indore, shared detailed insights into various aspects of male fertility, including ways to prevent and manage it.
Also Read: Infertility Among Men: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Common Causes Of Male Infertility
Many factors can contribute to fertility issues in men. Some of them include:
Varicocele: According to a study published in the Central European Journal of Urology, varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility, present in 15% of the normal male population and in up to 40% of patients with male infertility. It is characterised by the enlargement of a vein within the scrotum, which can lead to reduced sperm quality, said Dr Shrimali, adding that although the exact reason behind this is unknown, some studies suggest it may be related to abnormal blood flow.
Hormonal imbalance: Disorders affecting the hormonal regulation of sperm production, such as low testosterone levels or problems with the pituitary hypothalamus, thyroid, and adrenal gland, can contribute to infertility.
Infection: Certain infections, like epididymitis and orchitis, and certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), like gonorrhoea and HIV, can harm sperm production and health or even block their path.
Defects of tubes that transport sperm: Dr Shrimali shared that a maze of tubes carries sperm. However, blockages can occur anywhere due to surgery scars, past infections, trauma, or even genes. These roadblocks, from within the testicle to the urethra, can hinder sperm flow and impact fertility, she added.
Genetic issue: Some genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome and Y chromosome microdeletions, can affect male fertility.
Lifestyle choices: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity, can negatively impact sperm quality and increase the risk of infertility.
Signs To Watch Out For
Common symptoms of male infertility include:
- Swelling or lump in the testicle area
- Issues with ejaculation
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle
- Inability to smell
- Abnormal breast control
The Psychological Causes Behind Infertility In Men
While the physical aspects of male infertility are well documented, the role of psychological factors should not be overlooked, advised Dr Shrimali.
According to her, stress, anxiety, and depression can impact reproductive health by affecting hormone levels and sexual function, with high stress levels even contributing to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and reduced libido.
Additionally, several studies have established a worrying link between stress and sperm quality in men. In fact, a 2014 study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that men who faced two or more stressful life events within a year showed lower sperm motility and a higher percentage of abnormally shaped sperm compared to stress-free men.
On the other hand, research has also highlighted how infertility can subject people to greater stress and an increased risk of developing psychological disorders. In some people, it may induce feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, contributing to varying degrees of depression, anxiety, distress, and a poor quality of life, according to a study published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
Hence, there is a necessity to address both the physical and psychological aspects of infertility.
Also Read: Infertility Can Take a Toll on Mental Health: 6 Tips to Deal With It
Prevention And Treatment
Here are some tips to prevent or manage infertility in men:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.
- Opt for hormone therapy medications to increase the number of sperm.
- Get routine medical check-ups, which can help identify and address potential fertility issues early on.
Dr Shrimali recommended correction surgeries, including varicocele repair and vasectomy reversal, to address any structural issues.
“Some can also look for vasoepididymostomy and sperm retrieval,” she said, adding, “Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), are suitable for mild to moderate oligospermia, while intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is considered for severe oligospermia where medical therapy is ineffective.”
But note that all these treatments should only be considered after speaking with a fertility expert and a doctor.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a common issue, influenced by both physical and psychological factors. While addressing the physical aspects through medical interventions is crucial, it is equally important to recognise and manage psychological stress, anxiety, and depression, which can adversely impact sperm quality. For those struggling with fertility issues, it is important to make healthier lifestyle choices. In addition, speak with your doctor or a fertility specialist to successfully overcome your infertility challenges.