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Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Male infertility means the male is unable to impregnate the female because of male factors. Learn what the causes of male infertility are and discover if you can resolve your male infertility issues with your doctor.

There are many male factors that can make a couple unable to become pregnant. These may include conditions such as the following:

Hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes fail to develop normally
Extreme obesity hormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism
Varicocele, a group of enlarged veins inside the scrotum
Diabetic neuropathy, in which nerve damage causes problems with erection or ejaculation
Inherited conditions that impair the ability to produce sperm, such as Down syndrome
Testicular torsion, a condition in which the blood supply to the testicle is cut off
Undescended testicles, a condition in which the testes fail to drop into the scrotum

Chronic diseases also can be a factor in fertility, for example:

Autoimmune disorders, which can cause the body to produce antibodies that attack sperm
Liver disease
Sickle cell anemia
Kidney disease
Genital infections such as gonorrhea and genital herpes
Infections of the reproductive organs, such as prostatitis and epididymitis
Infectious diseases, including mumps

Additional factors in infertility include the following:

Certain medications, such as cimetidine and phenytoin
Certain supplements, such as anabolic steroids
Chemotherapy used for cancer
Diet low in folic acid or low in lycopene, which is found in plants such as tomatoes
Excessive exercise, which lowers testosterone levels and decreases sperm production
Exposure to diethylstilbestrol, also known as DES, as an infant in utero
Exposure to toxins such as lead, mercury, or pesticides
Frequent hot baths or use of hot tubs
Injury to the testicles
Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and poor movement of sperm
Radiation therapy
Recreational drugs, such as alcohol and marijuana
Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
Side effects of treatments for testicular cancer or prostate cancer
Surgery of the reproductive system, such as transurethral resection of the prostate
Vasectomy, a surgical procedure to tie off the sperm-carrying tubes
Wearing tight-fitting pants and underwear

Male infertility occurs when the man's partner does not conceive after one year of attempting to become pregnant. Other signs and symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the man's infertility.

The diagnosis of infertility begins with a medical history and physical exam. The provider may order blood tests to look for hormone imbalances or disease. A semen sample may be needed. The volume of the semen is measured, as well as the number of sperm in the sample. How well the sperm move is also assessed.

Treatment of male infertility focuses on the underlying cause. Without treatment, 15% to 20% of infertile couples will eventually get pregnant. Treatment for a male with infertility may include:

Avoiding extended periods of time in hot baths and hot tubs
Eating a healthy diet and exercising in moderation
Having a varicocele surgically repaired
Having vasectomy reversal surgery, which reconnects the tubes carrying sperm from the testes
Learning about the best times to conceive
Making lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and limiting intake of alcohol
Taking hormone therapy
Treating erectile dysfunction with counseling, medication, or surgery
Wearing loose-fitting underwear, such as boxer shorts

If these treatments don't work, other means of fertilization may be considered, such as:

Artificial insemination: This involves placing sperm directly in the cervix or uterus.
Invitro fertilization: This involves fertilizing the egg outside the womb and then returning it to the uterus.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: This involves placing individual sperm cells directly inside the woman's eggs during the process of invitro fertilization.

Some cases of male infertility may be avoided by doing the following:

Avoid drugs and medications known to cause fertility problems.
Avoid excessive exercise.
Avoid exposure to environmental hazards such as pesticides.
Avoid frequent hot baths or use of hot tubs.
Avoid tight underwear or pants.
Eat a diet with adequate folic acid.
Get early treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Have regular physical examinations to detect early signs of infections or abnormalities.
Keep diseases, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, under control.
Practice safer sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
Take a lycopene supplement.
Wear protection over the scrotum during athletic activities.

Although more research needs to be done, parents may want to consider alternatives to disposable diapers for male infants.

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