Throughout history, a couple’s inability to conceive has been attributed to the woman, who was called an “incomplete woman” because she could not have children. However, only one-third of infertility problems can be associated with women. Another third of infertility problems are because of male causes, and the final third is unexplained.
Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse, which may prompt you and your partner to consider male infertility treatment or IVF. If the man is the one who is infertile, there are several myths and facts about how to improve male fertility and the man’s role in conception.
Top Causes of Male Infertility
Some of the major causes of male infertility are problems with semen, abnormal sperm shape, the slow movement of sperm, and low sperm count, among a few others.
Facts about male infertility
The causes of male infertility can be medical, environmental, or lifestyle related.
Medical: Medical problems are swollen veins (varicocele), infections, tumours, undescended testicles, hormonal problems, medications and other medical conditions like diabetes, etc.
Lifestyle-related: Lifestyle can also have a big impact on male fertility. Smoking and drinking can impact sperm count and testosterone levels. Being overweight can cause a hormonal imbalance in men.
Environmental: Working in an industrial environment where a male can be exposed to damaging radiation or heat can also impact his fertility. Cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers, among other modern electronic devices, generate hazardous radiation. In fact, placing electronic devices like laptops in the testicular area while working will overheat the testicles and can lead to male fertility problems.
Myths about male infertility
When a couple is attempting to conceive, male fertility concerns are frequently overlooked, and it is simpler for people to believe fallacies.
Myth 1: Infertility is a female issue
Fertility problems can affect both men and women. In fact, one-third of infertility is caused by the male factor, one-third by the female factor, and they share the remaining lot.
Myth 2: Sperm count can be increased using testosterone supplementation
The truth is just the opposite. Many people believe that testosterone supplements will enhance sperm count, but they can actually limit or hamper the male’s capacity to produce sperm, making your partner prone to infertility and severely lowering sperm count.
Myth 3: Age and male fertility
Many people still believe that men may have healthy children for the rest of their lives. Sperm quality and quantity decrease with age, making it more difficult for them to impregnate their partner.
Myth 4: Boxers or Briefs
Have you ever heard the argument about whether men should wear boxers or boxers when trying to father? Tight underwear, such as briefs, are thought to make it harder to maintain good sperm production, therefore men should avoid them in favour of boxers. However, it is a myth that has yet to be scientifically confirmed.
Myth 5: Fertility has no effect on overall health.
Male infertility is related to a number of underlying health issues. Infertile males are more likely to have underlying medical causes such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
How is male infertility diagnosed?
Doctors will first do a comprehensive general physical exam and assess a patient’s medical history to determine the underlying condition. Then there’s the Semen Analysis, which is crucial for measuring sperm count and determining any abnormalities in the shape or motility of the sperm. Additional tests, such as genetic testing, scrotal ultrasound, hormonal testing, transrectal ultrasound, and DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), may be recommended.
What is the treatment for male infertility?
The treatment for male infertility is determined by the cause. Surgical procedures, for example, can be used when a physical condition is preventing sperm transmission. If there is no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm can be extracted directly from the testicles. Medications can aid in the treatment of male fertility issues caused by infections, hormonal imbalances, and sexual performance issues. Treatments for male infertility using assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are extremely beneficial.