Infertility – When he’s the problem

MANY societies judge men by their ability to reproduce, and while it is the dream of many to produce offspring, sometimes this dream is an impossible feat.

Urologist Dr Gareth Reid said that infertility is a widespread problem which hampers the natural conception process of many couples.

“The World Health Organization defines infertility as the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve a pregnancy in one year,” Dr Reid said.

He pointed out that infertility affects both and men and women, but in infertile couples, male factors usually account for almost 50 per cent of the cases — 30 per cent to male factor alone, and 20 per cent due to a combination of both male and female factors. Dr Reid further explained that infertility in men is often linked to abnormalities in the production, storage or transportation of sperm in the male reproductive system, which includes its delivery to the woman’s body.

“In order for a man to get his partner pregnant, he must produce healthy sperm, which requires at least one functioning testicle. However, it is important that the hormonal control remains normal and constant in the testicles in order to trigger and maintain sperm production, and finally, the sperm, once produced, should then be transported so that it mixes with the other seminal fluids before it is ejaculated into the woman.”

Dr Reid told All Woman that a variety of disorders such as congenital disorders or acquired disorders could cause a reduction in male fertility.

“Congenital conditions are like an undescended testicle or varying genetic abnormalities; and acquired conditions cover infections that affect sperm production, functionality, or scars on the tubes that transport the sperm. There is also varicoceles (dilated testicular veins) that cause lowered sperm production as well as decreased sperm functionality, and low testosterone count which could also affect sperm production and quality,” Dr Reid said.

He explained that apart from medically associated reasons, factors such as lifestyles choices and environmental factors could also affect sperm production and quality.

“It is possible for abusers of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, and alcohol abusers to have severe impairment of their sperm parameters. The same could be true for men who are exposed to environmental elements such as excessive heat to the testicles, or exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides or heavy metals,” Dr Reid said.

“If a cause can be identified, then at times treatment is available in the form of surgery (in the case of a varicocele or obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts) or medication to boost hormone levels or sperm production,” he added.

In addition, he recommended a healthier lifestyle that could have a positive effect on fertility.