Male Infertility

Q 1. What is male infertility?

A. Male infertility means not being able to father children.

Infertility is the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy in one year. If the cause of the fertility problem is found in the man, this is male infertility.

Male infertility is found in approximately half of all childless couples. These men have abnormal semen analysis.

Q 2. What are the causes of male infertility?

A. Male infertility has several causes:

• Hormonal problems
• Genetic disorder or chromosome defects
• Problems with sperm production (as a result of varicocele: enlarged veins above left testicle)
• Difficulties with erection or ejaculation or other problems in genital tract
• Infection of urogenital tract
• Problems with the immune system
• Cancer

The tests and treatments vary depending on the cause of infertility.

In most cases of male infertility, either the semen is unable to reach the egg (obstructive) or the semen quality is poor (nonobstructive).

In 30-40% of patients, no male factor is found (idiopathic/unexplainable male infertility).

Sexual Health & Wellness