Male infertility is a complex issue involving multiple factors, including the structure and function of the reproductive system, the endocrine system, the immune system, and lifestyle habits.
Male infertility is not a single disease, but rather the result of one or more diseases and/or factors. Specific causes can be categorized as congenital, medical, immune, unhealthy lifestyles, and unexplained.
- Abnormal semen quality:
This includes oligospermia, azoospermia, necrospermia, asthenospermia, polyspermia, low sperm count, and unliquefied semen. Oligospermia accounts for 15.4% of male infertility causes.
- Sexual dysfunction:
This includes impotence, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission, and anejaculation. Anejaculation accounts for 32.4% of male infertility causes.
- Infertility caused by reproductive tract infections, congenital anomalies, systemic diseases, and unexplained causes.
- Varicocele accounts for 12% of male infertility causes.
- Immunological factors:
These factors involve the presence of antisperm antibodies in a man's serum or seminal plasma, leading to an autoimmune antisperm response and immune infertility.
The following seven unhealthy lifestyle factors can affect male fertility
● Poor mental state: Long-term depression, pessimism, and worry often lead to infertility. This is because these conditions affect the function of the cerebral cortex, causing instability in the nervous and endocrine systems throughout the body, as well as testicular spermatogenesis and sexual function.
● Malnutrition: Sperm production is related to the nutritional level of the diet. Men must consume adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and E to promote spermatogenesis. Malnutrition or dietary restrictions can affect sperm production and quality. Men should consume milk, eggs, lean meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables in moderation.
● Wearing tight pants for a long time: This has three harmful effects: increased testicular temperature, impeded scrotal heat dissipation, and impaired blood circulation in the scrotum.
● Smoking and alcohol abuse: Alcohol damages the testicles and other reproductive organs, causing lower serum testosterone levels, which can lead to decreased libido and sperm abnormalities. Nicotine in tobacco reduces sex hormone secretion and kills sperm.
● Frequent hot baths: The scrotal temperature is approximately 2°C lower than normal body temperature, which is beneficial for sperm production and development. Frequent hot baths can increase scrotal temperature, affecting sperm production.
● Improper or excessive sexual activity: After ejaculation, it takes two to seven days for a man's sperm count to recover. Therefore, frequent sexual activity, resulting in low sperm counts per ejaculation, can cause infertility.
● Frequent long-distance cycling: When cycling, the seat presses against the urethra, scrotum, and perineum, causing congestion in these areas and potentially affecting the function of the testicles, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles. The jolting and jolts of cycling can also directly damage testicular spermatogenesis.