Causes of Infertility for Men

About 30 percent of infertility cases that occur are caused by male infertility. Infertility or infertility problems tend to be referred to as women's problems. The reality is not the case. Both men and women can each have problems in the reproductive organs that can affect their fertility. There are two possible causes of infertility, male infertility which is the main problem for her partner to get pregnant and the second possibility is that infertility occurs simultaneously with the obstacle of pregnancy from the side of women who also have fertility problems. Fertility checks for men are as important as women. Although most men feel reluctant to get checked out, maybe because of shame, but in fact it is important to do it as soon as possible to ascertain the location of the problem. For this examination, men who feel they have problems with fertility can consult with a specialist in urology and andrology. The doctor will identify problems as well as actions that can help to overcome the condition.

Possible Causes of Male Infertility

Problems that trigger male infertility can be caused by a variety of things, including hormonal, physical, and psychological disorders.

Hormonal Disorders

This condition is characterized by hormone levels that are too high or low that affect fertility, including:

• Hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce semen quality, testicular function, and interfere with libido.

• Hyperprolactinemia.

High prolactin hormone conditions. This condition is found 10-40 percent in infertile men. High prolactin levels can reduce sperm production and sexual desire, while causing impotence.

• Hypogonadotropic hypopituitarism.

Low production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This causes disruption of sperm development and decreased sperm count in the testes. This situation can trigger male infertility.

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Or abbreviated CAH occurs when the pituitary gland is depressed by an increase in the level of adrenal androgen hormones, causing low sperm production, lack of active sperm movement, and the number of sperm cells that do not really develop properly.

• Panhipopituitarism.

Total pituitary gland failure where there is a lack of growth hormone, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), and LH and FSH levels. Symptoms include normal or small testicles, impotence, and decreased sex drive.

Physical impairment

Male fertility problems can be caused by a variety of physical problems, ranging from disruption of the process of sperm production or obstruction of sperm travel from the testes to the tip of the penis. It can be characterized by low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape and size. Here are some physical problems that commonly cause male infertility:

• Infection and disease

Some types of infections and certain diseases, such as inflammation of the testicles and testicular can interfere with sperm production or condition. Even the possibility of obstructing the course of sperm. These include urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis.

• Varicocele

Widening of blood vessels in the scrotum and preventing blood from flowing properly. Varicoceles occur in about 15-40 percent of men who are evaluating fertility problems.

• Sperm channel disorders

The tube that carries sperm or sperm ducts can be damaged due to injury or disease. Some men experience a blockage in the testes that store sperm or blockages in one or both channels that carry sperm from the testis.

• Testicular torsion

That is a condition where the testicles rotate in the scrotum in the extreme, usually can be seen from the onset of swelling. Torsion of the testis can cause disruption of blood flow in the testis.

• Genetic disease

Although not commonly found, certain diseases or congenital abnormalities, such as Jacob's syndrome and cystic fibrosis, can also cause male infertility.

• Retrograde ejaculation

This disorder causes semen to enter the bladder, instead of coming out of the penis during ejaculation. Possible causes are complications from prostate, bladder, or urinary tract surgery. Besides that it can be due to side effects of certain drugs or diabetes.

Physical and psychological combination disorders

Some sexual problems in men are related to psychological conditions. Although in fact psychological disorders and physical disorders are difficult to separate. Here are some of them.

• Impotence.

Can be caused by one or a combination of several factors. This condition was once considered a psychological problem. However, recent research calls this a physical problem which is then exacerbated by psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.

• Premature ejaculation.

When a man cannot control the ejaculation response after penetration for at least 30 seconds. Premature ejaculation becomes a fertility problem when ejaculation occurs before the penis is actually inside the vagina.

• Ejaculation incompetence.

This psychological condition makes a man unable to ejaculate during intercourse, but can do so while masturbating.

Other Possible Causes

Apart from several causes of infertility that can be experienced by men, there are several other possibilities, namely:

• Cancer and tumors.

Both can affect the reproductive organs directly or through interference with the glands that release reproductive hormones, such as the pituitary gland.

• Certain treatments.

For example, long-term use of corticosteroids, certain antifungal drugs, testosterone replacement therapy, cancer drugs or chemotherapy, and several other drugs that can interfere with sperm production and reduce male fertility.

• Actions of previous operations.

Some surgeries can cause complications that inhibit sperm discharge during ejaculation, including vasectomy, inguinal hernia repair, scrotal and prostate surgery, and major operations to treat cancer of the testes and anus.

Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Infertility

In addition to the above causes, various lifestyle factors and overall health can also contribute to fertility conditions, especially sperm count and health. These factors include:

• Age increase.
• Smoking habit.
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Use of illegal drugs.
• Often wear pants that are too tight.
• Exposure to hazardous substances, such as pesticides, mercury, heavy metals, benzene, and borium.

If you and your partner have been having regular sexual relations for a year without contraception and have not yet been pregnant, you and your partner can consult a doctor. Male infertility or infertility can occur to anyone and most cases can be treated with proper treatment and treatment from a doctor.