Common Causes of Male Infertility

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Common Causes of Male Infertility

Monday, 02 April 2007

Genetic:

• A genetic disorder with extra Y chromosome such as Klinefelter’s syndrome 46XYY, a deletion (missing) of a gene or segment of genes on the Y chromosome, or cystic fibrosis.

• Age: Although it is seen that men are still fertile with advancing age, however there is some evidence of decreased sperm quality in older men, after 70.

Anatomy, Physiology:

• Varicocele: twisted or swollen veins in the scrotum

• Abnormally developed testicles or any structural abnormalities that affect the testes, sperm tubes, or other reproductive anatomical structures.

• Erectile dysfunctions, premature ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation into the bladder.

Illness:

• Sexually transmitted diseases, severe mumps infection at early age or any infections of the genital organs such as the prostate or urethra.

• Medical Conditions that cause inflammation of the testicles such as severe injury, major surgery, diabetes, HIV, thyroid disease, liver or kidney failure, heart attack, and chronic anemia.

• Hormone disorders of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, or adrenal glands.

• Autoantibodies (Antisperm antibodies): Antibodies may cause sperm to stick together (agglutinate) and fail to fertilize the egg.

Drugs, Medications:

• Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit, recreational drugs or even excessive coffee!

• Medications: Anabolic (performance enhancing) steroids, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) medications: clonidine (Catapress), spironolactone (Aldactone) and calcium channel blockers, medications for ulcers, gouts, seizure disorders: cimetidine (Tagamet), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), salazopyrine, colchicine, methadone, methotrexate (Folex), phenytoin (Dilantin), thioridazine (Mellaril), antibiotic: metronidazole (Flagyl) and many more commonly prescribed medicines with fertility impairment effects unknown.

Environment:

• Testicular exposure to overheating such as a prolonged high fever. Sauna or hot bath may affect the quality of sperms but not tight underwear. Male bicyclist may develop scrotal abnormalities affecting sperm quality.

• Exposure to toxins and chemicals, radiation in the environment may cause the body to release oxygen free radicals (oxidants) in the body which can damage sperm.

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