( 06 SEP 2020 )

There is definitely a substantial number of couples who are dealing with infertility. This issue makes them unable to conceive a child. While in some couples, women are held responsible for not being able to get pregnant; in others, male infertility plays a major role.

Undeniably, male infertility is one such concept that hasn't been spoken upon much; however, it exists in the real world. Basically, male infertility occurs because of abnormal sperm function, low sperm production or blockages that may avert the sperm delivery.

Chronic health issues, lifestyle, injuries, and certain illnesses can also play a role in aggravating male infertility.In this post, let's find out more about what increases a man's risk of infertility.

Risks That Lead to Male Infertility:

Smoking & Consuming Alcohol:
Those who smoke on a daily basis have lower sperm count in comparison to those who don't indulge in such activity. Not just smoking but drinking may also decrease testosterone levels; thus, leading to decreased production of sperm and erectile dysfunction. Those who have liver diseases caused by drinking may also experience fertility issues.

Severe Stress or Depression:

There is no denying the fact that stress can cause innumerable physical and mental issues. But did you know it can also lead to problems with infertility? Severe stress can interfere with specific hormones that produce sperm. In this way, this mental issue can impact the sperm count considerably. Furthermore, according to research, there is a probability of not conceiving if the male partner is in severe depression as it causes sexual dysfunction because of decreased libido, inhibited ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

Exposure to Toxins:

In case you work in a chemical factory or site, being exposed to toxins can harm your fertility. Chemicals like painting materials, organic solvents, herbicides, pesticides, xylene, toluene, and benzenes can contribute to decreased sperm count. Furthermore, long-term exposure to radiation, lead and other heavy metals can cause similar issues.

Overheating of Testicles:

Elevated temperatures have said to impair the production and functioning of sperm. Though studies on this factor are inconclusive and limited; there are enough cases that signify the recurrent use of hot tubs and saunas may temporarily damage the sperm count. Not just that, but wearing tight clothes, sitting for long and working on a laptop at a stretch may also elevate the temperature in the scrotum and decrease the production of sperm.

Prior Vasectomy or Significant Pelvic or Abdominal Surgery:

There are specific surgeries that may avert you from ejaculating sperms. Surgeries like vasectomy, testicular or scrotal surgeries, inguinal hernia repair, large abdominal surgeries done for rectal or testicular cancer, testicular or scrotal surgeries, prostate surgeries, pelvic surgery are some of the ones included in the list. In a majority of situations, surgery can be performed to either retrieve sperm from the testicles and epididymis or reverse blockage.

History of Undescended Testicles:

In some men, during the development of foetal, one or both the testicles may fail to descend from their abdomen into the sac that generally contains the testicles. In case you have had this condition in the past, it may enhance the chances of decreased fertility; in other words, complete infertility.