MALE INFERTILITY

What is male infertility?

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular (at least twice weekly) unprotected intercourse with the same partner. Both partners should be evaluated for infertility. Male infertility is indicated when, after evaluation of both partners, problems in reproductive function have been identified in the male partner.

Causes of Male Infertility

Known causes of male infertility

The known causes of male infertility can be subdivided into four areas:

• Hormonal problems. The first group concerns the failure of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to stimulate the testis. Disorders of this group, usually referred to as endocrine causes of male infertility, are relatively rare, affecting approximately one in 100 patients.
• Sperm production problems. The second category includes disruption of the production of sperm within the testis or the production of antibodies against sperm which block their function. This is the commonest cause affecting about 60 in 100 patients.
• Blockage of sperm transport. The third major category concerns the obstruction (or blockage) of the tubes leading sperm away from the testis, namely in the epididymis and vas deferens, into the ejaculate. This group is the second most common cause affecting about 30 in 100 patients.
• Erection and ejaculation problems. The fourth category relates to problems of erection and ejaculation that are necessary for normal sexual intercourse. These problems affect about 5 in 100 patients.

Unknown problems
There are still gaps in our knowledge and for 40% of men with male infertility, the cause of the problem is unknown. This is referred to as 'idiopathic infertility' or 'cause unknown'.

Diagrammatic representation of causes of male infertility:

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

Am I infertile?

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular (at least twice weekly) unprotected intercourse with the same partner. Both partners should be evaluated for infertility.
It is important to see a doctor who can do the necessary investigations to see if there is a reason for you and your partner not being able to fall pregnant.

Diagrammatic representation of causes and diagnosis of male infertility: