CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY
Understanding is the First Step to Clarity
Male infertility refers to difficulties in achieving pregnancy due to issues with the man’s reproductive health. It is an important part of the overall infertility treatment process, as male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. Identifying and treating male infertility is therefore essential in helping couples achieve their goal of starting a family.
Causes of male infertility
Male infertility can arise from a variety of conditions that affect the production, quality, or delivery of sperm.
One of the most common causes is a low sperm count, where the number of sperm present is below the level needed for natural conception. Even when sperm are produced in normal numbers, they may lack motility, meaning they cannot swim efficiently to reach the egg, or they may be abnormally shaped, reducing their ability to fertilise.
​
Varicocele, an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, is another significant cause. This condition raises the temperature in the testicles, which can impair sperm development and lower overall sperm quality.
Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, can also interfere with sperm production.
In some cases, genetic abnormalities are responsible, either reducing sperm count or impairing sperm function.
​
Blockages in the male reproductive tract may prevent sperm from being transported and released during ejaculation. These obstructions can result from infections, previous surgeries, or congenital abnormalities.
Testicular damage also plays a role, whether from injury, infection, or medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, which may severely affect sperm production.
Diagnoses & Treatment
The first step in addressing male infertility is a semen analysis. This test evaluates the concentration, movement, and structure of sperm, providing insight into whether male factors may be contributing to infertility. Based on the results, further investigations may be carried out, such as hormonal testing or imaging studies, to identify the underlying cause.
​
Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific condition. Lifestyle changes are often recommended, including stopping smoking, abstaining from alcohol and recreational drugs, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Because sperm production follows a cycle of about 72 days, these adjustments generally take two to three months before improvements can be seen.
When medical issues are identified, treatment may involve surgery, such as repairing a varicocele or removing blockages in the reproductive tract, or medical therapies to correct hormonal imbalances.
In many cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) play a central role in overcoming male infertility. Techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) are used to increase the chances of conception. At the same time, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows a single sperm to be injected directly into an egg, making it possible to achieve pregnancy even with minimal sperm numbers.