Dr. Parasuram Gopinath, Consultant and Scientific Director of the CIMAR Infertility Centre , who was actively involved in the research on male infertility factors said, “Modifying the lifestyle choices or occupational issues that affect male infertility can significantly improve a man’s fertility potentials. Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy Sperm.

What causes male infertility?

” Another group of causes causing male infertility are Hormonal problems. Anything that effect the hypothalamus pituitary endocrine system which regulates the sperm production can be detrimental.

Either it can be excessive or reduced production of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary like FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin etc. Diagnosing these problems and correct supplementation can help to improve the fertility.

There are also a wide variety of physical problems like varicocele, hydrocele, hernia , issues to the tube/ duct carrying the sperm from the testis to the penis etc can cause reduction in the sperm quality . Varicocele is a very common problem that we come across and if diagnosed correctly and after we rule out other problems, if corrected has improve your sperm quality.

Even issues with the duct/ tube (vas deference) that carries the sperm from the testis to the penis like complete absence or blockage can be overcome with other treatment modalities. Even previous infections like Mumps, tuberculosis, typhoid or sexually transmitted diseases can cases either blockage or complete damage to the testis.

Genetic issues and male infertility

They are both psychological or physical in nature like Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, ejaculatory dysfunction, loss of libido or sexual interest etc. These are issues which can corrected with focused counseling and certain medications.

“Unfortunately, over 70% of the causes of male infertility cannot be diagnosed and that is when a lot of empirical treatment modalities are given like antioxidants,” says Dr. Parasuram.

It is very difficult to completely treat male infertility and we have to follow a step by step protocol in treating the couple depending on the severity of the malefactor.

Most of the severe forms of male infertility are very difficult to treat and it would be advised to proceed to a higher treatment modality after a reasonable trying time with basic medications,” he added.

Infertility in Men

Often when women cannot conceive the blame is put on them, even when approximate 50% infertility issues come from man. Male fertility peaks usually at the age of 25 and declines after age 40 years.

The main cause of male infertility is low semen quality. In men, who have necessary reproductive organs to procreate, infertility can be caused by low sperm count due to endocrine problems, drugs, radiation and infection. There may be testicular malformations, hormonal imbalance or blockage in the male duct system.

Although many can be treated through surgery or hormonal substitutions, many are indefinite. The basic work up of male partner includes a semen analysis, physical examination and hormonal evaluation if necessary. A detailed history regarding the frequency and timing of several intercourses, childhood illness, sexual history, exposure to chemical or toxins, allergies and other serious illness is mandatory.

The diagnosis of male infertility can be one of the hardest challenges a man can face. Not able to father a child can make a gay feel like he is failing at one of life’s primal responsibility. Though for some men advances in infertility treatment like intrauterine insemination, ICSI or surgical retrieval of sperms offer real help, unfortunately some will have to cope with the reality that nothing can be done about their infertility.