By: Erica Ferraro
Male Male factor infertility is surprisingly common but still one of the most misunderstood aspects of reproductive health. When couples struggle to conceive, society tends to unfairly point fingers at women. Yet, one third of the time it is a male issue, and in many cases it is a combination of both partners. But we should ditch the blame game. Infertility is a shared journey, and the lack of education around male fertility only adds to the confusion, stress, and misconceptions many couples face.
Think back to sex-education class in school—it was all about avoiding teen pregnancies, right? There was little to no focus on preserving future fertility for men or women. Fast forward to adulthood, and many are shocked to find out that conception is not always as simple as it looks on TV—yes, even for the guys.
The Stigma Around Male Fertility Issues
For men, the roadblocks are real, but the resources? Not so much. Thanks to the stigma, male infertility is often brushed off as a “women’s issue.” Newsflash: this affects everyone. Someone you care about is likely dealing with this challenge right now.
The culprits behind male infertility? Low sperm production, poor sperm function, or blockages that prevent sperm from reaching their destination. These can be triggered by health conditions, lifestyle factors, or injuries.
Red Flags for Male Infertility
The number-one sign of infertility is difficulty conceiving, but sometimes there are other symptoms or underlying conditions at play:
- Sexual function issues: trouble ejaculating, low sex drive, or erectile dysfunction
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
- Recurrent respiratory infections or inability to smell
- Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Decreased facial/body hair or other hormonal irregularities
- A low sperm count (less than 15 million per milliliter or 39 million per ejaculate)
If you notice these signs, do not wait to act.
Pro Tip: Do not Wait to See a Doctor
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to wait an entire year to see a fertility specialist if you suspect male factor infertility. These days, at-home sperm tests can provide a first glimpse into what’s happening.
Reach out to a fertility clinic if you have a history of:
- Erectile or ejaculation problems
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Testicle, prostate, or sexual health issues
- Past groin, scrotum, or penis surgeries
- A partner over 35 years of age or older
How Male Fertility Works
Making a baby is a delicate dance, and for men, everything needs to align perfectly, just like with women:
- Development: During puberty, testicles must develop normally, producing hormones like testosterone to kickstart sperm production.
- Transport: Sperm need clear pathways to mix with semen and exit the body.
- Quantity: A healthy sperm count is crucial—fewer than 15 million per milliliter reduces the odds of conception.
- Movement & Function: Sperm must be able to swim and penetrate the egg. Misshapen or sluggish swimmers can’t get the job done.
What Causes Male Infertility?
From medical conditions to lifestyle choices, male fertility can be affected by a range of factors:
Medical Causes
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum disrupt blood flow and weaken sperm.
- Infections: Some can damage sperm production or cause blockages.
- Ejaculation Issues: Conditions like retrograde ejaculation send semen into the bladder instead of out.
- Anti-sperm Antibodies: Your immune system may attack sperm, thinking they are invaders.
- Hormonal Irregularities: Problems with the testicles or other endocrine glands can affect sperm production.
- Chromosome Defects: Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can impair fertility.
Lifestyle Factors
- Drug Use: Anabolic steroids shrink testicles and lower sperm production. Recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine also harm sperm quality.
- Alcohol: Heavy drinking lowers testosterone and sperm production while affecting overall sexual function.
- Smoking: Both tobacco and secondhand smoke reduce sperm count and quality.
- Weight Issues: Obesity impacts hormones and sperm viability.
Breaking the Taboo
Infertility does not discriminate, and neither should the conversation around it. Men often feel isolated from the infertility dialogue, but they are just as much a part of the equation. The truth? Male infertility is more common than many realize.
For those navigating this journey, remember: you are not alone. Whether you are facing male factor infertility or supporting a partner through it, there is a larger community out there ready to walk alongside you. And when one path seems blocked, there are always other ways to grow your family.
When the darkness feels overwhelming, look for the light—you may find others searching for it, too.
source:
Moving Mountains For Motherhood 