COMMON CAUSES OF MALE SUB FERTILITY
COMMON CAUSES OF MALE SUB FERTILITY
In men, it is not always possible to find the exact cause for the low sperm count and other parameters, as in females.The reason being that the organs cannot be easily visualized in men as it is deep seated, where as the uterus, tubes and ovaries in women can be fully visualized through laparoscopy to find the exact cause for the problem.
Common Causes:-
Infections
Hormone problems
Genetic ( by birth)
Anatomical (structural problems like block)
Infections:-
Mumps caused by viral infection, which leads to the inflammation of salivary glands located beneath the ear and the upper neck has been known to cause testicular inflammation in some boys which may later lead to infertility.
Infections due to diabetes or sexually transmitted diseases can cause prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) leading to failure to liquefy semen and reduce the quality of semen.Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, syphilis, AIDS etc.often silently cause similar problems.TB can also cause block and is easily overlooked.Appropriate and timely administration of antibiotics will help in controlling infections.
Hormone problems:-
Inadequate hormones like reduced LH, FSH will reduce or altogether stop sperm production.Thyroid and prolactin levels should also be checked.These are easily treatable, and levels must be checked.
Genetic (chromosome):-
The cause for Azoospermia (absence of sperms) can be due to defective chromosome like as in klinefelter's syndrome(tall men with slightly subnormal I.Q)
Anatomical
Undescended testis in male babies, where testis is located inside Abdomen, should be corrected immediately or else it will result in male sub fertility later in their life.Hypospadiasis (abnormality of urethra and penis) can cause erectile problems due to the abnormal position of urethral meatus, IUI can be done successfully in these cases.
Congenital absence of vas (the tube carrying sperm) can result in Azoospermia, PESA/TESA & ICSI can be done to achieve pregnancy.Varicocele is a condition where veins are dilated, surgical correction by Varicocelectomy can be done.
Dr.Anita Mani
Infertility& Surrogacy Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
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