Causes of Male Infertility
Sperm disorders
- Problems with making healthy sperm are the most common causes of male infertility.
- Sperm may be immature, abnormally shaped, unable to swim, may not be enough quantity or not making any sperm.
- This may be caused by many different conditions, including:
- Infections or inflammatory conditions eg infection with the mumps virus after puberty.
- Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis
- Hormone or pituitary gland problems
- Immune problems
- Environmental and lifestyle factors. These include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, use of marijuana or steroids, or exposure to toxins.
Structural problems
- Anything that blocks the genital tract can stop the flow of semen. This could be a genetic or birth defect.
- Infection or inflammation from a sexually transmitted disease can also block semen.
- Other causes include scar tissue from surgery or twisted, swollen veins in the scrotum.
Other factors
- Other factors may include erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
- Liver or kidney disease, or treatment for seizure disorders are examples of problems that can cause infertility.
Who is at risk for male infertility?
You may be more likely to have male infertility if you have had:
- Past inflammation of the prostate or past genital infections
- Injury or twisting(torsion) of testicles
- Early or late puberty
- Exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
- Hernia repair
- Underscored testicles
- Certain medication