Male Infertility
WHAT EXACTLY DOES MALE INFERTILITY MEAN?
Infertility is the medical term for sterility. This is the case when regular sexual intercourse without contraception does not lead to pregnancy within 12 months.
There is a general distinction between primary and secondary infertility:
Primary infertility:
The man has never fathered a child before.
Secondary infertility:
The man has already fathered one or more children, whether with his current partner or another woman.
WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY?
Male infertility can have many causes. Genetics, stress, changes in life patterns and dietary habits all lead to a dramatic reduction in sperm cell production and quality. The wish to have a child is still denied to around 15% of all couples, even after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
A fundamental distinction is made between inherited and acquired disorders. Furthermore, a distinction is made between diseases relating to hormonal control of testicular function (approx. 12%), diseases of sperm formation in the testicles (approx. 30-40%) and diseases of the sperm transport system (approx. 10-20%).
Infertility Due to Medical Causes
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Testicular Diseases | Diseases of the testicles and epididymides such as inflammations, varicose veins, or twisting of the testicles usually affect younger men and should be taken very seriously, as they can impair fertility. |
| Disorders of Hormone Production | Hormones, specifically the hormone FSH, control the production of sperm cells in the testicles. If there is not enough FSH in the body, hormone treatment should be considered. |
| Varicose Veins on the Testicles (Varicocele) | Varicoceles are varicose veins in the area of the testicles and spermatic cord. This condition affects approximately 15% of all men. Untreated varicoceles are a common cause of male infertility, as blood congestion in the scrotum can increase the temperature of the testicles by 0.5–1°C, which in turn has an adverse effect on sperm production. A varicocele is the cause of infertility in about 25-40% of all infertile men. A study showed that taking PROFERTIL® for a minimum of 3 months improves all sperm parameters. |
| Antibodies on Sperm Cells | Since sperm production starts only during puberty, the body may identify sperm cells as foreign objects and develop antibodies. These antibodies can minimize the chance of pregnancy. |
| Disturbances of the Seminal Ducts | The epididymis is where sperm cells mature. It consists of a two to four meter-long duct system through which the sperm are transported. Even the slightest inflammation can lead to adhesions. With this sperm transport disorder, the sperm cells are unable to connect with the sperm fluid, which leaves too few intact sperm in the ejaculate, or none at all. |
Infertility Due to an Unhealthy Lifestyle
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Excess Weight | Being just 20 lbs overweight increases the risk of infertility by 10%. Particularly an increase of body fat in the abdomen reduces the free, biologically active portion of testosterone. |
| Smoking | Smoking affects the density, mobility (sperm motility), and shape (sperm morphology) of the sperm. A direct effect on testicular function and spermatogenesis can be assumed. Metabolites from components of cigarette smoke can cause inflammatory reactions in the male genital tract, which can lead to oxidative damage to the sperm. |
| Alcohol | Severe chronic alcohol abuse can have toxic effects on the testicles. This is expressed in disturbed spermatogenesis. This can impair the motility and shape of the sperm. |
| Nutrition | An unhealthy diet can lead to the development of deficiencies and result in limited sperm quality. In particular, vitamins and other micronutrients that are ingested through food serve as cofactors for enzyme reactions and have an antioxidant effect. |
Infertility Due to External Causes
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Food | Research shows that fruit and vegetables no longer contain as many vitamins as they originally did. The quality of food has deteriorated due to intensive use of the soil. |
| Age | Sperm quality can start to decrease from the age of 35. For a person under 30 years old with a partner over 40, the chance of becoming pregnant is already 25% lower than a person with a younger partner. Despite this fact, older fathers seem to be in fashion in the modern world. Today, many men are only beginning their journeys to fatherhood after reaching milestones in their careers or lives. Many may not succeed without intervention due to age-related impacts on sperm health, including decreases in sperm count, motility, and chromosomal changes in sperm. |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer and one of the most widely produced chemicals. BPA is found in many consumer products, beverage bottles, and plastic food packaging. The inside coatings of cans also have traces of BPA. Exposure to BPA has been linked to sexual impotence, erectile problems, and reduced sperm quality, with the risk of poor semen quality increased two to four times. |
| Medications | The following drugs can impair sex drive and erectile function, and in some cases cause reduced ejaculation: Antidepressants, Tranquilizers, Antihypertensives, Antiepileptics, Cardiac medications. Certain substances such as anabolic steroids and antiandrogens can also interfere with the endocrine system, affecting fertility. |
| Substances that Inhibit Sperm Production | Cytostatic drugs, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants are some substances that can disrupt or delay spermatogenesis (sperm cell maturation). These can reduce sperm quality and impair male fertility. |
| Temperature | The normal temperature of the testicles is 35°C. Heat exposure (e.g., from steel work, sitting for long periods, frequent sauna sessions) can increase the testicular temperature, impairing sperm production and fertility. |