Our Manhattan Beach fertility doctor explains 4 common causes of male infertility
In 50% of infertility cases, the cause is due to either male infertility factors or a combination of male and female factors. Dr. Mark Rispler details the four common causes of male infertility that we see at our Manhattan Beach fertility center.
- Sperm abnormalities are one of the most common causes of male infertility. According to our Manhattan Beach fertility doctor, these can include anything from problems with abnormally shaped sperm, known as sperm morphology, to sperm that do not move properly, known as sperm motility. In addition, a man needs to have an adequate amount of sperm in order to maximize his fertility. Some men may not produce any sperm at all, which is a condition known as azoospermia.
- Testicular problems include a variety of issues.
- Varicoceles are veins that swell in the scrotum. They can create blockages that prevent blood from draining properly from the testes. It is believed that varicoceles can create problems by overheating the testicles and impacting sperm quality.
- Undescended testicles occur when the testes fail to descend from the abdomen during fetal development. This can also be surgically corrected.
- Retrograde ejaculation is a problem that occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of being ejaculated through the penis.
- Medical conditions can also cause problems for men. These include genetic diseases such as CF and hormone imbalances such as low testosterone. Tumors and cancer are additional causes of male infertility. The cancer itself, as well as the treatments, can create issues. A man’s overall mental and emotional health should also be taken into account. Finally, sexually transmitted infections need to be addressed.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors can affect male fertility, even some you might not suspect. You will need to provide us with honest information about your life and work.
- Do you smoke?
- How much alcohol do you consume?
- Do you use recreational drugs?
- Do you use anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements?
- Do you work with chemicals, lead, radiation or pesticides?
Our Manhattan Beach fertility doctor can help diagnose and treat the causes of male infertility so that you can become a dad. Contact us for an appointment.