What men are at increased risk for male factor infertility?
The causes of male factor infertility are many and diverse. To list them all here could be overwhelming. To simplify things, we should think about how sperm are made. Sperm production requires the proper function of a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the testicle. Disruption at any level can dramatically alter sperm production. Similarly, anatomic defects which block the passage of sperm out of the penis can occur. Just because a man produces an ejaculate does not mean there is sperm. Finally anti-sperm antibodies can be present, making the available sperm less motile. Men with a history of traumatic brain injury, radiation or chemotherapy, low libido (sex drive), low energy, diabetes, or a history of pelvic surgery (even in childhood) should be evaluated promptly.
