Male infertility has many causes. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances, physical problems to psychological and behavioural problems. Men who have a relatively healthy lifestyle will more than likely produce healthy sperm. However, some of the following can have a negative impact on male fertility:
- Smoking significantly decreases sperm count and sperm cell mobility
- Regular use of recreational drugs
- Alcohol abuse
- Steroid use (Can cause testicles to shrink and infertility)
- High intensity exercise over a prolonged period of time
- Low levels of Vitamin C and Zinc in the diet
- Tight underwear; increases scrotal temperature which leads to decreased sperm production
- Stress
- Malnutrition
A small percentage of male infertility is caused by hormonal problems. Here are just couple of hormonal disorders which can disrupt a male’s fertility.
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Hypogonadotropic Hypopituitarism
Physical problems can also be a cause of male infertility. These can either interfere with sperm production process or interrupt the pathway where the sperm travel down.
- Variocoeles is an enlargement of the internal spermatic veins that drain blood from the testicles and abdomen. This can cause abnormal sperm and also reduce sperm count
- Damaged Sperm Ducts can affect the pathway that the sperm travel down from the testicles. It can cause a block which prevent the sperm from travelling the correct route
- Infection and disease can also play a huge part in male infertility and can cause low sperm count and low mobility.
If you are experiencing any of the above, then contact your GP for further assistance.