Infertility is the term used for the couples who are unable to conceive with unprotected sex for a period of one year. Infertility associated with the male is often based on the quality of the sperm and their quantity. The diagnosis usually focuses on both the partners and when problems are found in the man, the male infertility is diagnosed. It is estimated that around 1 in 5 cases of infertility is associated with male infertility.
Causes
Male infertility occurs as the result of a problem with the sperm transportation or the quality and the quantity of the sperm. It is estimated that around two-thirds of the problems occur with the production of the sperm in the testes with either their low quantity or their low quality. It can also occur as the result of a blockage in the transportation of the sperm from various hormonal conditions or sexual problems. Some of the problems of sperm production include the genetic cause, undescended testes, exposure to certain chemicals or medications and infections. The blockage of the sperm transportation can occur as the result of prostrate-related problems, infections or vasectomy. Some of the sexual problems associated with male infertility include damage to the nerves, failure to ejaculate, infrequent intercourse, erectile dysfunction or prostate surgery.
Symptoms
One of the initial symptoms associated with infertility is the inability to conceive the child. However, conditions such as hormonal imbalance or blockage of the sperm transport can cause symptoms. Some of the symptoms that are associated with male infertility include reduced sexual desire or erectile dysfunction, pain or swelling in the testicle, abnormal breast growth and reduced hair growth that can be an indication of hormonal problems.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of male infertility is based on a physical examination, medical history of the individual and various tests. Some of the tests that assess fertility include semen analysis to verify the quality and the quantity of the sperm and blood tests to check the level of various hormones or infections. The semen analysis will assess the volume of the semen where abnormally low quantity can be an indication of a problem with the blocked ducts or with the prostate gland. The semen analysis will also evaluate the sperm count and their quality to fertilize an egg.
Treatment
The treatment of male infertility is based on the underlying cause. Some of the treatment for male infertility includes surgery that can correct the obstructed vas deferens, treating infections with antibiotics, medications for conditions such as erectile dysfunction and hormone treatments to restore normal levels of hormones. Artificial insemination is the process where the sperm is collected and inserted into the uterus of the female or in vitro fertilization procedure fertilizes the sperm and the egg in the laboratory which is then inserted into the uterus of the female. The sperm donor is an option when the treatment procedures do not work.
References
http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/male-infertility/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/basics/treatment/con-20033113
https://www.andrologyaustralia.org/your-health/male-infertility/
