If a married couple has regular sexual intercourse without using any contraception and fails to conceive within two years, it is considered infertility. For couples who have been living together without children, if the wife's examinations show no issues, the husband should promptly seek medical evaluation to identify the cause and receive timely treatment. The following tests should be conducted sequentially at a hospital's urology or andrology department, preferably at a specialized infertility clinic:
Four primary causes of male infertility:
1. Spermatogenesis disorders. The testes function as the "factory" producing sperm. If this "factory" malfunctions, both sperm quantity and quality are compromised.Examples include congenital testicular hypoplasia, cryptorchidism, testicular tuberculosis, orchitis, testicular atrophy (caused by mumps), testicular tumors, varicocele, deficiencies in zinc, calcium, or phosphorus, and the effects of drugs or toxins. All these can hinder sperm production in the testes.
II. Sperm Transport Impairment. Inflammation causing obstruction in any segment—from the epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, to the urethra—can impede sperm passage.
III. Sperm Issues. Conditions such as external genitalia abnormalities, sexual dysfunction, hypospadias, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation can all lead to infertility.
IV. Immunological Factors. This refers to infertility caused by the body producing anti-sperm antibodies.
The primary causes of male infertility are low sperm count, high rates of sperm abnormalities or poor motility, ejaculatory dysfunction, or obstruction of the seminal ducts.
Numerous congenital disorders and acquired conditions—including chronic health issues, unhealthy lifestyles, and diverse factors such as environmental exposure, diet, medications, and habits—are significant contributors to male infertility. Through treatment of the male patient, his partner, or both simultaneously, a substantial proportion of male infertility cases can be addressed.