Fertility Problems in Men

Fertility problems in men or male infertility prevents a man to make a woman pregnant. More than 50% of the fertility problems that normal couples experience is due to male infertility. Couples who are trying to start a family from a long time can't do so because in most cases the main concern is the low sperm count of the male. Most men are often shocked to find out that even they can suffer from reproductive problems. These problems make a man unable to produce a child. Statistics say that more than 40% of men suffer from male infertility in the US. Having better knowledge about this topic will give you a better idea on this subject.

The worst part is that in most cases infertility in men is not detected. Most men can easily get erections and can also have sex without facing any difficulty. Signs and symptoms are not that common and almost impossible to detect unless you have undergone a test.

Common Causes of Fertility Problems in Men

The most common cause of male infertility is azoospermia (a condition where no sperm production can be detected or measured) and oligospermia (a condition where the body produces less sperm). In some cases the male sperms are so weak that they die even before reaching the egg and fail to fertilize it. Here are some more causes which causes infertility in men.

• Sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, low libido and lack of sex drive can be some of the main causes of infertility.
• Developing of abnormal sperm is one of the main causes. Exposure to certain kinds of chemicals and certain heavy metals are some of the main causes of abnormal sperms.
• If the male sperm has no motion, then a couple is going to face a lot of problems while conceiving a child.
• Men who led an unhealthy lifestyle have a higher chance of suffering from infertility. Regular drinking, taking medication and drugs, and smoking extensively is going to lower a man's sperm count.
• Research also suggests that men who wear tight underwear can suffer from a low sperm count. Wear loose boxer shorts and prevent the heat from damaging the sperms.
• Men should always avoid hot water baths, saunas and spas. Why? Because the high temperature can affect the testicles badly and lower the sperm count. Sperms need a cool environment to flourish and develop.
• Age also plays an important role. The sperm count of a man decreases as he ages. The sperm motility begins to slow down as the man crosses 40.
• Even abnormal hormones can be the prime cause of men infertility. If the pituitary gland which resides at the base of the human brain does not send out proper signals to stimulate the testes, low sperm count will be caused.
• Men suffering from STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) like genital herpes and gonorrhea can result in testes damage and low sperm count. Make sure you practice safe sex.
• Many times even genetic conditions like Klinefelter's syndrome in which a man has 2 pairs of X and Y chromosomes instead of one each causes unhealthy development of testicles which indirectly results in low sperm count.
• The usage of steroids and muscle increasing supplements have also been the prime cause of low sperm count in men.
• People suffering from diabetes in the future, can be victims of premature ejaculation and erection which is a direct or indirect symptom of damaged nervous system.

Male infertility can be corrected. Treatment options mainly depends on the cause and the symptoms. Treatment options include drug therapy, surgery, intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive therapy. The success rate of these treatments is satisfactory but the costs of these treatments is very expensive. Many people also seek the help of natural herbs (Epimedium: Horny Goat Weed) and medication to increase sperm count. Even yoga exercises are considered beneficial for curing such ailments.