What are the causes of male infertility?
Aug 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, male infertility may be related to factors such as age, stress, endocrine disorders, varicocele, and prostatitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Patients are advised to engage in appropriate exercise, quit smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoid excessive intake of spicy and stimulating foods, which may help improve sperm count and quality.
In general, male infertility may be related to factors such as age, stress, endocrine disorders, varicocele, and prostatitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Age
With increasing age, testicular function declines and sperm production decreases, which may affect sperm motility and morphology, potentially reducing fertilization capacity. It is recommended to engage in appropriate physical exercise and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption to help improve sperm quality.
2. Stress
Under stress, cortisol levels in the body rise while gonadotropin-releasing hormone decreases, affecting testosterone synthesis and leading to poor sperm quality, which may result in infertility. It is advisable to adjust lifestyle habits, increase physical activity, and maintain an optimistic mindset.
3. Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine imbalances may be associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits. In men, such disorders can lead to abnormal levels of gonadal hormones, disrupting the process of sperm production and maturation, thereby reducing both sperm count and quality and causing infertility. Symptoms may include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. It is recommended to use medications such as finasteride tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and oryzanol tablets under medical supervision.
4. Varicocele
Varicocele may result from dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus and spermatic veins. This condition increases local testicular temperature, impairing sperm maturation and reducing both sperm quantity and quality, leading to infertility. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as scrotal heaviness, swelling, or pain. Patients are advised to take medications such as sodium escin tablets, citrus flavonoid tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release tablets under a doctor's guidance.
5. Prostatitis
Prostatitis may be associated with irregular sexual activity, prolonged sitting, and other factors. Infection and inflammation of the prostate gland in men can produce harmful substances that impair sperm production and survival, alter the physicochemical properties of semen, and hinder sperm viability and motility, resulting in infertility. Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or azithromycin capsules.
It is recommended that patients engage in moderate exercise, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake, and avoid excessive consumption of spicy and irritating foods to help improve sperm count and quality.
