How to deal with male infertility

Infertility is a problem currently faced by many couples. It is reported that up to a fifth of couples suffer from complications with natural conception. Fertility is affected by many factors in both women and men. What causes male infertility, and how do you recognise and deal with it? Detailed information can be found in our article.

Male infertility and its causes

According to professional research and studies, male infertility is divided into three basic types and is also affected by genetic predispositions and immunological factors.

• Pretiscular causes – the male gonads (testicles) are not sufficiently developed, possibly due to genetic abnormalities or external causes, such as tight clothing, cycling or horseback riding, etc.
• Testicular causes – the ejaculate contains only a small amount of (oligospermia) or no (azoospermia) sufficiently motile and viable sperm, or the sperm are deformed or have a poor composition (teratospermia); this is often the result of infectious diseases (measles, malaria), tumours and other conditions.
• Post-testicular causes – the testicles function normally, but sperm cannot be released from the body. This may be due to obstruction, absence or inflammation of the vas deferens, inflammation of the prostate, impotence, etc.

In the case of genetic predispositions, the issue is often not the ability to conceive naturally, but rather the risk of transmitting a genetic defect to the child. IVF is therefore an option for avoiding the risk of transmitting a genetic defect. Genetic screening is a reliable means of detecting these risks in time.

Immunological factors are a common cause of the inability to conceive or frequent miscarriages due to the immune system attacking sperm or eggs. An immunological infertility test will show you exactly where the problem lies and how to resolve it.

*This article is translated from Czech original to English language by translation agency Marvel, s. r. o.

Symptoms of fertility disorders

When it comes to fertility, men who have had mumps or a varicocele (an enlarged vein that diverts blood from the testicles) should be most wary. Men who have suffered a testicular injury or had an undescended testicle should also be careful.

Sperm themselves are sensitive to lifestyle and environment. Heavy metals and chemicals in food and the air do not benefit their creation and viability. Sedentary work and overheating of the testicles also hinder fertility.

One of the warning signs may be erectile problems. These are mainly caused by narrowed blood vessels, which do not allow a sufficient supply of blood to the testicles and axillary bodies. Smoking, cholesterol levels or the consumption of anabolics are most often to blame.

How to recognise infertility in men

The only reliable way to recognise infertility in men is to see a doctor. The doctor discusses the patient's medical history with them and determines what examinations need to be performed. A spermiogram examination and a basic laboratory blood test are definitely required. A spermiogram is a fertility test for men that focuses on the number of sperm, their motility and the volume and appearance of ejaculate. Based on the results, the doctor will then recommend whether it is necessary to undergo a further examination or suggest possible ways to treat infertility.

Statistics show that infertility affects men and women equally. In 40% of cases the problem is the woman's, in 40% it is the man's, and in 20% both partners have a problem. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, this is due to other factors such as smoking, obesity, stress, chemicals, pesticides, obesity and others.