What are the Most Common Causes of Male Infertility?

Fertility issues impact many couples in the United States. If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than six months to a year without results, you may be one of the 10% to 15% of American couples that deal with some type of infertility. Fertility can be complex, with factors from both men and women coming into play. Men’s fertility typically declines after middle age, but men of any age can struggle with infertility.

If you are concerned about potential male infertility or want to take steps to safeguard your ability to conceive, here’s what our experienced team at New York Fertility Institute thinks you should know about this surprisingly common condition. Khalid Sultan, MD and Majid Fateh, MD have the expertise you can trust when dealing with such a personal medical concern.

Common causes of male infertility

We define male infertility as any problem that stops you from preventing and releasing high-quality sperm in sufficient quantity and proximity to a woman’s cervix to fertilize an egg and produce conception. You may have issues with sperm production, or you may produce sperm that need to be guided in order to successfully fertilize an egg.

Male infertility can come from genetic factors, or from experiences you have over the course of your life. You may have a low sperm count, or your existing sperm might have abnormalities. Your body could also be hosting antibodies that target and destroy your sperm. If you’ve had an infected prostate or testicular injury, your own antibodies could well be the problem.

Health conditions from injuries to sexually transmitted diseases can also negatively impact male sperm. Conditions that could cause male infertility include:

• Undescended testicles
• Diabetes
• Gonorrhea
• Mumps
• Chlamydia
• HIV

Overexposure to pesticides, chemicals, and radiation can also be a concern, as can cigarette smoking, alcohol or marijuana use, and frequent exposure to heat, as in saunas or hot tubs.

You might also lose fertility through necessary medical interventions. The medications commonly used to treat bacterial infections, high blood pressure, and depression can all cause male infertility. Going through treatment for cancer can also damage your future fertility.

What you can do

While the most common symptom of infertility is the failure to conceive after trying for a reasonable time, other symptoms may show up as well. Men with infertility issues may also show other signs of hormonal changes, including changes in hair growth, sexual function, and libido.

If you have a history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems, or a family history of infertility problems, it might be a good idea to get checked out for any fertility issues. At New York Fertility Institute, we can help you assess the issue, and provide the right interventions. While some lifestyle changes, like losing weight or getting diabetes under control, can improve your chances, you may need other interventions to successfully conceive. Our team can help you make the right choices for you and your family.

To schedule your initial consultation with one of our specialists, contact New York Fertility Institute today. You can call our Upper East Side, New York City, New York, office, or book your appointment using the online tool.