Causes of Infertility

Genetic or Chromosomal Defects

The most common of these disorders is known as Klinefelter’s syndrome, which affects about one in every 500 males. In this condition, there is an extra X chromosome. Characteristically these men have abnormal breast enlargement (known as gynaecomastia), smaller-than-normal testes, sparse facial and body hair, and no sperm production. There is also delayed onset of other secondary sexual characteristics such as deepening of the voice and development of the genitals.

Another chromosomal disorder is known as XYY syndrome, where-by the affected man has an extra Y chromosome. This again affects about one in every 500 men. These men tend to be very tall, some have had severe acne and some have a tendency to antisocial behaviour. While some of these men have no sperm, some produce normal amounts of sperm.

The extremely rare vanishing testes syndrome affects about one in every 20,000 males; these unfortunate men are born without testicles.

Kallman’s syndrome is another rare cause of infertility. It occurs in only one in every ten thousand men. It is often associated with loss of smell, deafness, cleft lip and palate, kidney problems and colour blindness as well as infertility.

Other Causes of Infertility

Male infertility may also be caused by sexual dysfunctions, such as premature ejaculation, reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. This may be due to low testosterone levels resulting from an underlying condition. These are all potentially reversible causes of infertility.

Some men have infertility for which there is no known cause at present. In addition, some known causes of infertility do not have any treatments.

Research is ongoing into this important men’s health area. As knowledge and understanding increases, more causes and, hopefully, treatments will be discovered.

Investigating Fertility Issues in Men

Talking to your doctor is a good place to start. He or she can check your medical history and any risk factors for infertility. Your doctor can discuss your ideas, concerns and expectations. A physical examination to check your testes and to see if you have a varicocele in your scrotum is important. The next step usually would be to arrange a sperm test.

Semen Analysis – Checking a Sperm Sample

Semen analysis is a test used to evaluate male fertility. This test, also called a sperm count, measures the amount and quality of seminal fluid or ejaculate. Seminal fluid contains male reproductive cells (semen or sperm) and normally is expelled through the penis during ejaculation.

This is a highly accurate test. However, it is worth noting that a normal result does not guarantee fertility, as fertility is naturally a couple-related phenomenon. However, a normal result is certainly reassuring that your reproductive track is in reasonably good order.