Difficulties in conception. Male infertility

Information

The reproductive instinct and parental instinct are embedded in human nature. The birth of children is unconditionally accepted as the most important function and source of happiness in the family. When conception and childbirth proceed normally, no one thinks about how numerous the factors contributing to this process are, but there are also quite a few couples who have problems conceiving. In more than 40% of cases, the cause lies with the man.

Male fertility includes the production of mature sperm cells capable of reaching and fertilising the egg. For this to happen, the man must be able to achieve and maintain a good erection, have sufficient mature and viable sperm cells, as well as quality semen that creates the conditions for them to move in the right direction to reach and fertilise the egg. Problems in any part of this process can lead to difficulties with conception.

Many factors can affect male fertility, some of which are:

• Age
• Stress
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain unlicensed stimulants, such as anabolic steroids or artificial testosterone, taken to increase muscle mass
• Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) or testicular damage
• Excessive heating of the testes (hot baths, sauna), tight underwear
• Certain medications, such as cancer medications (chemotherapy)
• Exposure to radiation and ionising rays
• Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, at the workplace or at home
• Genetic diseases
• Other health problems, including obesity

If your partner does not become pregnant after one year of regular sex without contraceptives (or after six months if your partner is 35 or older), you should seek help from a qualified andrologist.

A spermiogram is required, which will establish the condition of the sperm cells. This is a good first step for couples with reproductive problems. The examination is much easier to perform and costs much less than examinations to identify problems with female fertility.

Performing a seminological examination does not exclude examination and tests of the partner, as in approximately 12% of cases in couples with conception problems, diseases are found in both partners. With adequate and timely action to identify the causes and carry out the correct treatment, many families with problems achieve a successful pregnancy and the birth of healthy babies.