What causes infertility in men?
A man is most likely infertile due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormally shaped sperm or some combination of all three. Most cases of low sperm counts are “idiopathic” or unexplained. Some cases are associated with a swollen varicose vein in the scrotum, called a varicocele. Varicocele is the most common reversible cause of male infertility and can be corrected by minor outpatient surgery. Lifestyle can influence the number and quality of a man’s sperm. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs can temporarily reduce sperm quality. Environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead, may cause some cases of infertility in men. In rare cases, infertility in men may be caused by genetic diseases. Short term illnesses, significant stressful periods, and some medications may temporarily affect sperm counts.
Infertility in men is most often caused by: Problems making sperm — producing too few sperm or none at all Problems with the sperm’s ability to reach the egg and fertilize it — abnormal sperm shape or structure prevent it from moving correctly Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.
Infertility in men is most often caused by: • problems making sperm — producing too few sperm or none at all • problems with the sperm’s ability to reach the egg and fertilize it — abnormal sperm shape or structure prevent it from moving correctly Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.
Infertility in men is often caused by problems with making sperm or getting the sperm to reach the egg. Problems with sperm may exist from birth or develop later in life due to illness or injury. Some men produce no sperm, or produce too few sperm. Lifestyle can influence the number and quality of a man’s sperm. Alcohol and drugs can temporarily reduce sperm quality. Environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead, may cause some cases of infertility in men.
Infertility in men is most often caused by: • A problem called varicocele (VAIR-ih-koh-seel). This happens when the veins on a mans testicle(s) are too large. This heats the testicles. The heat can affect the number or shape of the sperm • Other factors that cause a man to make too few sperm or none at all • Movement of the sperm. This may be caused by the shape of the sperm. Sometimes injuries or other damage to the reproductive system block the sperm Sometimes a man is born with the problems that affect his sperm. Other times problems start later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis often causes infertility in men.
