What is male infertility and causes?

Male infertility refers to a male's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. Around 15% of couples experience infertility, with up to 50% of these related to male factors.

Causes of Male Infertility

More than 90% of male infertility cases are due to low sperm counts, poor sperm quality, or both, Risk factors.

Sperm Abnormalities

Sperm abnormalities are a critical factor in male infertility. These abnormalities include:

• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility (movement)
• Abnormal sperm shape

Risk Factors

Risk factors for male infertility include:

• Varicocele, an enlarged varicose vein in the spermatic cord that connects to the testicle
• Aging, which can reduce sperm counts and motility and decrease the genetic quality of sperm
• Sexually transmitted diseases, which can cause scarring in the male reproductive system or impair sperm function
• Long-term or intensive exposure to certain types of chemicals, toxins, or medications
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, use of alcohol, excessive caffeine or other drugs
• Exposure to poisonous chemicals
• Exposure to radiation
• Wearing restrictive or tight underwear