What causes male infertility?

One of the most common causes of male infertility is aging. However, age-related infertility in men differs from that of their female counterparts. While aging in women results in the cessation of egg production, the male’s sperm production does not usually cease entirely. Instead, while a man can begin to produce fewer sperm, it is the lessening-quality of the sperm which affects his fertility first. As many people these days are waiting until later in life to become parents, this factor must be addressed.

Male infertility causes also include lifestyle factors. The use of tobacco products, alcohol, and street drugs can all have a negative effect on a man’s reproductive health. Not only can these products lower the sperm count, they can also affect the quality of the sperm that is produced. The longer a person has used these unhealthy substances, the more likely he will be to experience infertility. The use of steroids, extremely-rigorous exercise on a continuing basis, and even wearing undergarments that are too tight, can all lead to fertility problems.

Male infertility can be the result of continuing stress. As stress affects the hormones, it can hinder the ability to conceive. A poor diet can reduce one’s general health, and also contribute to fertility problems. There are numerous medications which can result in male infertility. While these causes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes, current or prior sexually-transmitted diseases can lead to permanent infertility.

There are numerous medical causes of male infertility, also. These can range from accidents which affected the body’s ability to produce sperm, severe diabetes, contracting the condition known as the mumps, and many others. This is one reason why suspected male infertility should be evaluated by a physician. Your doctor can determine whether you have, or have previously had, any medical conditions which may have led to fertility problems. He will then be able to advise you about the best course of action to take in your particular situation.

To learn more about various infertility treatment options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donors and egg donation, and other pregnancy treatments and concerns such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and tubal reversal, it is important to visit our Dallas area fertility center.