Greetings to you all Earth inhabitants especially my elephant trunk owners a.k.a Sons of Adam. How is the EPL (English premier league) going? I am a Manchester United fan, and so far, the league has been kind to us, but unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Liverpool and Chelsea fans,! Enough small talk let’s dive into today’s hot topic!
Growing up when the topic of infertility was brought up, the onus seemed to always land on the lady. I have heard stories where many women have been shunned by their in-laws or relatives because of their “inability” to conceive. In some cases, men even leave their marital homes in search of a “ripe, fertile” woman who can bear him an heir. For some men, all these efforts were in vain and they ended up blaming their misfortunes on witchcraft and evil spirits. As an African girl myself, trust me, I do believe in the possibility of it being a causative factor, my only issue is, why always blame the women, is it a crime that God made us from your ribs (eye roll). Today I want to dedicate this post to enlighten men that they too can be the cause of this so-called,” devil’s spell”.
Medically, we define infertility as the inability of a couple to conceive despite one year of unprotected sex. The most common cause of male infertility is a sperm disorder such as impaired motility, reduced count, etc.
Infertility can be; (i) primary meaning, the man has never successfully conceived with a partner, or (ii) secondary, in men who have previously caused pregnancy. Unknown to many, approximately 5-10% of men aged 15-44 years of age are infertile whereas in women, just approximately 5% in the same age group are. WHO HAS THE LAST LAUGH NOW!
There are many different causes of male infertility but I will just name a few.
(i) Systematic and endocrine diseases: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc.
(ii) Infections: (STIs!!) chronic Chlamydia infection, Gonorrhoea, HIV. Epididymitis, orchitis
(iii) Sperm disorders: reduced sperm count, impaired motility and, reduced ejaculate volume
(iv) Scrotal hyperthermia (an increase in body temperature) (varicocele testis)
(v) Testicular damage: congenital anomalies, infections such as mumps.
(vi) Drug use: anabolic steroids (body-builders beware!), cocaine, marijuana.
(vii) Alcohol abuse: drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction, and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.
(viii) Tobacco smoking: men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don’t smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility.
Risk factors linked to male infertility include:
- Smoking tobacco
- Using alcohol
- Using certain illicit drugs
- Being overweight
- Having certain past or present infections
- Being exposed to toxins
- Overheating the testicles
- Having experienced trauma to the testicles
- Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Having a history of undescended testicles
- Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
- Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease
- Taking certain medications or undergoing medical treatments, such as surgery or radiation used for treating cancer.
Complications of male infertility can include:
- Stress and relationship difficulties related to the inability to have a child
- Expensive and involved reproductive techniques
- Increased risk of testicular cancer, melanoma, colon cancer and prostate cancer
The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms you may notice include:
- Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
- Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
- Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality
- A lower-than-normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)
Consult with a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner if you have any of the following:
(i) Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
(ii) Pain, discomfort, a lump, or swelling in the testicle area
(iii) A history of testicle, prostate, or sexual problems
(iv) A groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum surgery
(v) A partner over age 35
The doctor will diagnose by taking a history of both you and your partner, perform a semen analysis and a mixed antiglobulin reaction test for antisperm antibodies.
Prevention;
Male infertility isn’t always preventable. However, you can try to avoid some known causes of male infertility by doing the below:
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit or abstain from alcohol.
- Steer clear of illicit drugs.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Don’t get a vasectomy.
- Avoid things that lead to prolonged heat for the testicles.
- Reduce stress.
- Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility.
Available treatment options are:
- Surgical treatment of testicular anomalies and/ or defects.
- Assisted reproductive technology (some can opt for a donor sperm)
- Medical therapy using Tamoxifen (increases testosterone production by disinhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis).
That is all for now. I hope now the blame will not only be directed on women when this topic is brought up!
STAY SAFE, SEE YOU SOON,& DON’T FORGET TO HAVE ONLY ONE SEXUAL PARTNER!
So we can stop saying men are trash, we use too much energy when saying these words!
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