The most common cause for male infertility is a problem with the sperm - either low sperm count or sperm with poor quality.
Sperm with poor quality cannot move rapidly enough or in the right direction, or may be abnormally shaped. Some conditions
that may contribute to sperm problems include:
-usually arising after a mumps infection, a hernia surgery, an injury or birth defect.
Swollen veins in the scrotum.
Undescended testes-a problem often present from birth in which the testes remain in the body cavity. Normally they
descend into the scrotum before birth.
Infections, such as gonorrhea or
tuberculosis, that block the ducts through which the sperm travel.
Exposure to metals such as leads, or chemicals such as pesticides.
Certain medications,
Injury to the testicles
Chronic prostate infections
Autoimmunity, in which antibodies or cells of the man's immune system attack sperm cells, mistaking them for toxic
invaders. The antibodies attach themselves to the sperm and may cause them to stick together, or may stop them from penetrating
the cervical mucous or the egg.
Retrograde ejaculation. In retrograde ejaculation the muscles of the
urethra do not force the sperm out. Instead,
the sperm travel backward into the bladder. Causes of retrograde ejaculation include:
- Drugs such as tranquilizers or high blood pressure medicines, variuos treatment for cancer
- Diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- Neck, bladder or prostate surgery
- Spinal cord injury
Sexual difficulties, such as impotence, premature ejaculation, or painful intercourse. These problems
can often be easily treated.
Genetic defects or structural problems. In germ-cell aplasia, for instance, the sperm-producing germ cells do not
develop correctly. Defects in the Y chromosome or in certain genes may also play a part in infertility.
Hormonal difficulty that decreases or stops the man's production of sperm. Hormonal problems may be present from birth
or can develop from brain or pituitary gland tumors or radiation treatment. Sometimes, hormonal difficulties are induced by
excessive exercise, malnutrition or other illnesses.
Read Dad's real life experiences of dealing with infertility or for more information try www.fertilityexpert.co.uk/home.htm
