Still shrouded in various stigmas, male infertility is a crucial topic often skirted around in hushed tones. The struggle is real, with a plethora of potential causes lurking beneath the surface. For that, Dr Zamip Patel will help you decipher some of these common causes.
The Sperm Story: Quantity and Quality
The inability to produce healthy sperm is one of the primary causes of male infertility. Factors like low sperm count (oligospermia), absence of sperm (azoospermia), abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia), or impaired sperm mobility (asthenozoospermia) can all contribute to infertility.
The Vein of the Problem: Varicocele
Dr Zamip Patel Varicocele, a swelling of the veins in the scrotum, is a common reversible cause of male infertility. By impairing sperm production and function, this condition may affect fertility.
Hormonal Havoc: Endocrine System Disorders
Conditions affecting the endocrine system, the body’s hormonal headquarters, often instigate hormonal imbalances that can disrupt normal sperm production, leading to male infertility.
Hit Below the Belt: Physical Damage
Physical trauma to the testes or conditions like undescended testes can hinder normal sperm production. Additionally, blockages in the tubes carrying sperm can disrupt the natural flow, affecting fertility.
Likely Lifestyle Culprits
Unhealthy lifestyle choices—like smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, and obesity—can affect sperm count and quality. And these habits can greatly impact a man’s fertility.
The Age Clock: Older Age
While men can father children well into their old age, fertility starts to decline as they age. This decline is usually due to a decreased sperm count and sperm motility, and an increased number of abnormal sperm.
Unseen Challenges: Genetic Factors
And lastly, certain types of genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome can trigger male infertility as well. One condition where a man is born with an extra X chromosome can result in decreased testosterone levels and smaller testicles, impacting fertility.
The journey through infertility can be fraught with challenges, Dr Zamip Patel but understanding the why behind the struggle is the first step towards navigating effective solutions. Remember, each step forward, no matter how small, is progress in the right direction.