Approximately 7% of all men are affected by infertility, which is typically linked to poor sperm quality. In cases where couples have difficulty conceiving, a male factor is a contributing issue about 50% of the time.
Male infertility can wholly or partially account for 40% of infertility among couples who are trying to have children. It affects approximately 7% of all men. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen. Semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fecundity.
A complete lack of sperm occurs in about 10% to 15% of men who are infertile. A hormone imbalance or blockage of sperm movement can cause a lack of sperm. In some cases of infertility, a man produces less sperm than normal. The most common cause of this condition is varicocele, an enlarged vein in the testicle.
More than 90% of male infertility is caused by sperm abnormalities, including poor-quality sperm, low sperm count, abnormal morphology or a combination of all these. Other reasons that may affect a man's fertility are: anatomical problems, genetic defects and hormonal imbalances.
Unhealthy sperm may look abnormal, have a low count, move poorly, or be immature. Other signs include low semen volume and unusual color or consistency.
Research has linked many chemicals and toxins, like pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals, to decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormalities. If your partner's work places him around toxins, he should wear protective clothing and a face mask, and make sure the area he works in is properly ventilated.
Men are not born with their sperm and continue to produce sperm daily. Men's fertility also starts to decline around age 40 to 45 years.
These can include:
The answer is yes, but the chances of success are lower. Despite poor sperm quality, as long as there is still viable sperm capable of fertilizing the egg, pregnancy remains possible. However, the probability will be lower compared to a man who has healthy or normal sperm quality.
This decline in male fertility is the subject of research and debate. Proposed explanations include lifestyle factors, such as changes in diet and physical activity levels, and increased exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as those found in plastics and pesticides.
Trying to conceive after testosterone therapy. If you are taking testosterone and want to become pregnant, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about stopping testosterone. Testosterone is actually teratogenic (meaning it can cause birth defects) to a fetus.
Sperm can be misshaped based on the size of the head, having an extra head, and having no head or tail. Other sperm defects include bent tail, coiled-tail, stump-tail and not having the tail attached at the correct location.
Drinking and Smoking
Consuming alcoholic beverages lessens sperm count and concentration as well as the percentage of normal sperm. Smoking cigarettes can harm DNA, prompting sperm mutations. The bonus? Cutting back on alcohol and tobacco is good for general health as well as sperm production..
Infertility is commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). Some problems stop an egg being released at all, while others prevent an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Male Fertility Facts
4 common causes of infertility in men
To protect fertility:
For men, some of these signs include a healthy sperm count, high-quality sperm that can swim quickly and easily, and a good balance of hormones. For women, good fertility indicators include regular ovulation, the presence of cervical mucus, and the regularity of menstrual cycles.
Signs and symptoms you may notice include:
Male fertility generally starts to fall in their 40s and through their 50s. A French study found that women's reproductive capability drops from age 35, but for men it's only from about age 40.
Genetic Issues –The sperm's health can impact the genetic makeup of the fetus. Poor-quality sperm increases the risk of developmental issues, birth defects and even the health of the developing baby.
Sperm Killer #1: Heat
Excess heat is one of the most common causes of poor sperm health. Ever wonder why the testicles hang outside the body? Because it keeps them cooler and ensures an optimal environment for sperm production. This is because increased heat can kill sperm or impair its ability to swim efficiently.
What is healthy sperm?
Human semen is composed of fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands which mix during ejaculation. The seminal vesicles contribute 70% of semen volume, which contains fructose as the main energy source for sperm.