Male infertility refers to infertility caused by male factors. Generally, infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after two years of unprotected intercourse during marriage. The incidence rate is approximately 10%. Among these cases, female factors alone account for about 50%, male factors alone account for about 30%, and shared male-female factors account for about 20%.
If you have regular sexual intercourse without contraception and have not conceived after one year (or six months if you are over 35), it is advisable to consult a doctor. Do not worry—many couples with fertility issues can be successfully treated.
Common Causes of Male Infertility Explained
Male infertility can be classified by fertility capacity into absolute infertility (azoospermia) and relative infertility (low sperm count or poor motility). By clinical presentation, it is categorized as primary or secondary infertility. Based on the location of reproductive organ pathology, it is divided into pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular infertility.The causes of male infertility are complex, with common factors including:
1. Vas deferens obstruction: A small percentage of men experience blockage in the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering semen. This can result from infection, injury, congenital defects, or vasectomy.
2. Varicocele: Varicocele refers to the dilation of veins within the scrotum. Similar to varicose veins elsewhere in the body, this condition elevates testicular temperature, impairing sperm production. It is typically detected during routine physical examinations.
3. Sperm Abnormalities: If you have low sperm count, azoospermia (no sperm), poor sperm motility (the ability to move), or abnormal sperm morphology, your sperm may be unable to naturally fertilize your partner's egg.
4. Sperm Antibodies: Your body may produce antibodies that attack and destroy your own sperm. This condition is often seen after vasectomy, testicular torsion (twisting of the testicle within the scrotum), infection, or injury. It is estimated that approximately 3% of male infertility cases are caused by sperm antibodies.
5. Ejaculation Disorders: These include complete absence of ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows backward into the bladder instead of being expelled. Causes may involve conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, surgical complications, or psychological factors.
5 Daily Habits That May Increase Infertility Risk
1. Frequent Hot Baths: The scrotum maintains a temperature about 1°C lower than normal body temperature to support sperm production and development. Frequent hot baths raise scrotal temperature, impairing sperm generation.
2. Wearing tight pants long-term. This practice has three harmful effects: ① Elevated testicular temperature; ② Impaired scrotal heat dissipation and sweating, further raising testicular temperature; ③ Restricted blood circulation in the scrotal area, causing testicular congestion. Therefore, avoid wearing any style of tight pants.
3. Frequent long-distance cycling: The bicycle seat directly compresses the urethra, scrotum, and perineum. Prolonged cycling causes congestion in these areas, potentially impairing the function of the testes, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles. The constant jostling and vibration from cycling can also directly damage spermatogenesis in the testes.
4. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Nicotine in tobacco reduces sex hormone secretion and damages sperm. Alcohol adversely affects sperm; among chronic alcoholics, 70% exhibit sperm abnormalities or loss of motility.
5. Improper or Excessive Sexual Activity Although the testes produce hundreds of millions of sperm daily, sperm must mature in the epididymis. After ejaculation, it takes 5–7 days to restore sperm counts to fertile levels. Therefore, excessive sexual activity reduces the number of sperm released per ejaculation, potentially causing infertility.Additionally, interrupted intercourse, excessive masturbation, or irregular sexual activity can cause abnormal congestion in the genital organs, all of which are detrimental to sperm production.