Causes of male infertility

According to statistics, every 10th married couple is infertile. In this case, not always the source of problems with conception is a woman. Approximately 45% of cases of infertility is due to the male factor.

For the implementation of the reproductive function of men respond to sperm. It is these cells that carry genetic information transmitted from father to child. In order for a sperm to meet an ovum, a well-coordinated work of the male's sexual system is necessary. So sperm must pass unhindered through the tortuous tubules of the testicles, finally mature in the appendages and be delivered to the vagina of the woman along with the sperm. Violations can occur at any stage of this path.

The following varieties of male infertility are selected depending on the causes:

• secretory;
• is obturative;
• immunologic;
• due to other reasons.

Secretion form of infertility in men

The cause of infertility in this case is a violation of the process of sperm production. As a result, an insufficient number of spermatozoa is allocated or cells have structural defects that do not allow them to reach the target.

Among the diseases leading to the development of the secretory form of infertility, include the following:

• varicocele - this pathological condition is accompanied by varicose veins of the testicle, resulting in deformed vessels unable to provide a full flow of blood from its tissues. As a result, stagnation of blood and a marked decrease in the production of spermatozoa by both testicles;
• dropsy of the testicle - in the case of the development of this disease there is also an accumulation of excessive quantity in the tissues of the testicle, which leads to a violation of its functions;
• cryptorchidism - in this case, the development of spermatozoa is disturbed by the abnormal arrangement of the testicles, which do not descend into the scrotum during development of the genital organs;
• epidemic parotitis - the causative agent of this infectious disease affects mainly the glandular tissue in the patient's body. That is why inflammation in mumps starts with salivary glands and, in the absence of adequate treatment, can spread to the spermatogenic epithelium of the testicles( see "Probability of infertility after mumps in men").

The following factors can influence the processes of sperm production:

1. the effect of ionizing radiation;
2. frequent visit to the sauna and sauna;
3. cycling;
4. wearing tight underwear from synthetic fabrics( more on the impact of men's underwear on male health);
5. hormonal disorders( see hormonal background in men);
6. reception of some medicines, for example, antibiotics, antiepileptic and antitumor drugs, antiandrogens, steroid hormones;
7. prolonged stress;
8. chronic lack of sleep;
9. alcohol abuse;
10. reception of drugs;
11. smoking;
12. defective diet.

Obturation form of infertility in men

This form of infertility develops when the advancement of spermatozoa along the vas deferens becomes impossible. The cause of obliteration of these ducts may be inflammation of the testis tissue or orchitis. This disease can be caused by both nonspecific infectious agents, for example, staphylococcus, E. coli, and specific tuberculosis infection.

To lead to the development of obturation infertility and can testicular injuries, damage to the vas deferens during the operations on the pelvic organs. In addition, similar disorders occur when the vas deferens the cervical or tumor of the epididymis. Do not forget about the possibility of congenital pathology of the testicle.

Infertility in the immunological incompatibility of

partners About 10% of infertile couples do not have any diseases that cause difficulties with conception. In this case, they talk about the immunological incompatibility of partners. This means that in the body of a woman antibodies against sperm or other components of her husband's sperm are detected. As a result, the probability of oocyte fertilization and pregnancy is significantly reduced.

Other causes of infertility in men

Among the other causes of male infertility the most common are:

• hypospadias - in this case the hole of the urethra is not located on the top of the glans penis, a bit lower. Therefore, during ejaculation, only a small part of the sperm enters the cervix;
• erectile dysfunction - insufficient erection and rare sexual intercourse reduces the likelihood of conception;
• chronic prostatitis - is often the cause of problems with erection.

To determine the cause of male infertility, you should contact a doctor andrologist or urologist.

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