Health Conditions

Although a large percentage of infertility in men has no identifiable cause, known causes of male infertility can be classified into four general groups:

1. Spermatogenic disorders, which include decreases in semen volume, sperm count, sperm movement, and ability of sperm to fertilize an egg, can all lead to male infertility. Semen is the thick, slippery, white fluid secreted by the testicles and prostate gland during sex. Semen contains lubricants and other components as well as sperm, the male cells that can fertilize an egg. Varicoceles (enlargements of the veins in the testicles) are the most common identifiable male infertility factor ? contributing to low sperm counts in up to 40% of men with fertility problems. After they are detected by clinical examination, most varicoceles are easily treated by surgical removal. Approximately 6% of infertile men have genetic abnormalities that interfere with sperm formation. For instance, a defect in the receptors for specific male hormone may mean that the man cannot use male hormones even though he is producing them. Azoospermia, the total lack of sperm production, may be caused by failure of the testicles or by other reasons. Low testosterone levels and other disturbances with male sex hormones may account for about 3% of all infertility cases by causing other problems with sperm production. However, more than 50% of spermatogenic disorders have no apparent cause.

2. Seminal tract obstruction involves a defect in the vas deferens (the long, thin tubes which carry sperm and semen from the testicles). If one or both of the vas deferens become blocked or twisted, sperm cannot be ejaculated (expelled) effectively. Causes for obstruction may be permanent (such as birth defects or accidental cutting of a vas deferen during abdominal surgery) or temporary (such as an infection in one of the tubes). Vasectomy, which is a deliberate surgical cutting of both vas deferens, is a form of permanent birth control used by men who do not want to father children.

3. Inflammation of the reproductive tract can also cause male infertility. The testicles, the vas deferens, or other male reproductive structures may be damaged and/or scarred, affecting sperm production, function, and transport. Usually inflammation results from infections of the male reproductive tract or from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), STDs include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

4. Sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction (also called impotence), which is the inability to maintain an erect penis long enough to complete sexual intercourse, or ejaculatory dysfunction (the inability of a male to eject sperm during sexual intercourse); can also lead to male infertility. Men with diabetes or spinal cord injuries are at higher risk for sexual dysfunctions than men without these conditions.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.