For years, researchers were never sure about the exact causes of male sterility and why the semen production seemed to be functioning abnormally. But, according to researchers at the University of Southern California, “It is plausible to speculate that male infertility may be added to the growing list of adulthood diseases that have resulted from fetal origins.” Their data, published in the December 12 issue of Public Library of Science One, found that men with low sperm counts had unusually high levels of methylation, which is one way the body regulates gene expression. As an embryo develops, epigenetic reprogramming and DNA methylation takes place. USC Professor of obstetrics and gynecology Rebecca Sokol, M.D. explains, “Disturbance of epigenetic programming can result in abnormal gene activity or function, even if there is no change in DNA sequence.” While the precise reason for infertility is still to be determined, there are many other risk factors and approaches to infertility treatments for men.
One of the possible causes of male infertility is cryptorchidism (the failure of the testicles to descend), which is a widespread side effect of premature birth and might require corrective surgery. Varicocele (veins in the scrotum which become enlarged) is present in almost half of all instances of male infertility. The larger veins trigger an increase in the temperature of the scrotum, thus impacting the sperm.
Sometimes an impediment is present in the male reproductive system, like a urinary tract infection or scarring. As well, injuries and accidents can damage the male reproductive organs, or deficiencies of certain hormones can have a bearing on sperm production. Various pharmaceutical drugs result in reproductive dysfunction, and certain diseases can significantly impede a male’s ability to reproduce as well.
Medical conditions are often the causes of male sterility. For example, sometimes doctors notice nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy, which causes problems with erections and ejaculations. Extreme obesity can cause hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalances, interfering with sperm production. As well, a man may be unable to produce sperm if he has hypogonadism (undeveloped testes), testicular torsion (impaired blood supply to one of the testicles) or undescended testicles or varicocele (a group of enlarged veins inside the scrotum). Inherited conditions like Down syndrome or Klinefelter’s syndrome may also impair the ability to produce sperm.
It’s now widely believed that 25 to 50% of the causes of male sterility are related to genetic defects during embryonic development. Often the man lives his whole life without even knowing. Obstructed organs, enlarged veins and hormone inadequacies seem to be the major culprits. There are a number of clinics specializing in both male and female infertility issues within each state, making it less taboo to seek treatment. Often times these infertility services and procedures will help couples to conceive using medications or a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
There are a number of possible reasons why some people have difficulty conceiving a child, and there are many different ways to address the problem these days. If you’re interested in finding out about new infertility treatments that can help, visit us at the Infertility Problems site for the facts you need.