What are the causes of infertility in men?

Causes of infertility in men

The ability for a woman to become pregnant depends on both a healthy male and female reproductive system. About 30% of infertility is due to male problems relating to sperm quality.

The cause of infertility in men is unknown in up to 50% of infertility. The leading known cause of male infertility is hypogonadism. Another important cause is a blockage of sperm delivery from the testes to urethra.

Semen quality - Low sperm quality or quantity is the most common cause of male factor infertility. Abnormal shape or mobility may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Sperm concentrations less than 10 million per mL is considered low.

Low testosterone (hypogonadism) – testosterone is the primary male hormone that is responsible for generating sperm. Testosterone levels are regulated by gonadotropins hormones in the hypothalamus/pituitary gland of the brain. Low testosterone levels can lead to a low sperm count.

Testicular problems – the testicles produce and store semen. Damage to the testicle may adversely affect sperm production. Examples of testicular problems include undescended testicles, testicular cancer, or testicular infection.

Medications – Anabolic steroid abuse and chemotherapy drugs can damage the production of sperm. Because sperm can take almost 3 months to develop, any medications taken during the past 3 months can affect sperm production and quality.

Some men have problems that block the delivery of sperm from the testes to urethra including:

STD infection – Untreated STDs like chlaymydia or gonorrhea can damage and block the tubes that deliver sperm.

Ejaculation problems – a condition called retrograde ejaculation directs the flow of semen into your bladder, which prevents the normal delivery of sperm.