Causes of male infertility – what could they be?

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When a couple trying to conceive has difficulty conceiving, their partner is examined first. This is a mistake because just as often the problem lies with the partner. We present the main causes of male infertility.

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1/ 8 Anatomical defects

The anatomical defects clearly hinder or prevent conception. We are talking here about, for example, anorchism, i.e. a congenital lack of testicles, or cryptorchidism – the location of the testicles outside the scrotum. Phimosis is a common defect in men. Narrowing the mouth of the foreskin can even cause the glans to fuse with the foreskin, which makes it difficult to ejaculate properly. That is why it is so important to apply surgical intervention in early childhood, if necessary.

2/ 8 Neoplastic diseases

Tumors of the reproductive organs can cause permanent infertility. However, neoplastic diseases cause a general deterioration of health, so even if we are dealing with, for example, lung cancer, it may affect male fertility. Radio- and chemotherapy are a separate issue. The changes induced in the testes after irradiation are usually permanent. Chemotherapy that is damaging to the body can also reduce the quality of sperm.

3/ 8 Anti-sperm antibodies

Autoimmune disorders are usually associated primarily with rheumatism. It happens, however, that the body produces antibodies against … sperm. It turns out that this condition accounts for as much as 7% of all male infertility cases. It also happens that the partner’s body produces these types of antibodies. In such cases, immunosuppressants are given to increase the chance of conception.

4/ 8 Hormonal disorders

The most common hormonal disorders that can lead to infertility are: gonadotropin deficiency, Kallmann syndrome and pituitary insufficiency. Hormone replacement therapy may be used as part of treatment for some of the disorders.

5/ 8 Environmental factors

One of the most underestimated causes of male infertility is environmental factors. Meanwhile, prolonged contact with chemicals such as pesticides can negatively affect the quality of the semen. Particular care should also be taken in contact with heavy metals such as lead, arsenic or cadmium.

6/ 8 Drugs and medications

The harmful effects of drugs on the functioning of the whole organism are well known. Cocaine and marijuana also have a detrimental effect on semen quality. However, it should be remembered that drug abuse can also lead to this effect. Particular care should be taken when using: colchicine, cyclophosphamide, cimetidine and methadone. Anabolic steroids are also dangerous.

7/ 8 Systemic diseases

Diabetes mellitus and diseases of the urinary system can even lead to the occurrence of retrograde ejaculation. In turn, complications from tuberculosis can cause a permanent loss of testicular function. Therefore, it is important that when diagnosing the causes of infertility, the patient tells the doctor about all serious illnesses he has suffered.

8/ 8 Infections

Various types of infections can lead to fertility problems. It is mainly about venereal diseases, such as gonorrhea, which can cause a complete loss of testicular function. Inflammation and mycosis are also dangerous. Piggy is especially dangerous for adolescent boys.

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