Nowadays fertility problems are rising and most of the cases are with a male. In infertility cases, approximately 40 to 50 percent of cases are male factor infertility. About 15 percent worldwide, the fertility rate in men younger than age 30 has also decreased. A recent report on the status of infertility in India, states that nearly 50% of infertility is related to reproductive anomalies or disorders in males.

Generally in men, Male infertility is due to asthenospermia (sperm motility), oligospermia (low sperm concentration), and teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm morphology). The other factors with semen are deficiency in semen volume, and other seminal markers of epididymal, prostatic, and seminal vesicle function.

Sperm Count is Typically The Cause of Infertility. The Following Factors Contribute to a Drop in Sperm Count:

• Industrial chemicals: Low sperm counts may be caused by prolonged exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting supplies, and lead.
• Radiation or X-rays: Radiation exposure can impair sperm production. A hereditary issue like Klinefelter syndrome, or an imbalance in hormones like hypogonadism (reduced hormone production)

The Following is an Additional Risk Factor for Low Sperm Count:

• Being overweight: When compared to males of normal weight, men who are overweight may experience lower testosterone levels, worse sperm quality, and decreased fertility.
• Smoking: Smoking causes DNA damage, which lowers fertility and increases the likelihood of miscarriage.
• Transportation of sperm: Sperm transportation might be blocked inside the testicle at any point. Inadvertent surgical injury, previous infections, trauma, or improper growth, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar genetic disorders, are the causes of obstruction.
• Medical conditions- including tumors and chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease, cancer medications (chemotherapy), some ulcer drugs, and some arthritis drugs can lead to male infertility.
• Prior surgery- Surgery like vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular can make sperm production decrease.
• Age- As increasing in age sperm get reduced after the age of 40 the drop in sperm count and quality is significant. It does not mean that in the 50s or 60s a man cannot reproduce but it is more difficult than it used to be at a younger age. 

On lower reference limits for semen analysis, the WHO has been updated. Based on a survey of more than 1900 men whose spouses had a time-to-pregnancy of fewer than 12 months, they have provided some metrics that indicate the accepted 5th percentile.

15 million spermatozoa/mL (95% CI: 12-16) is the sperm concentration.

58% of people are alive (95% CI: 55-63)

1.5 mL (95% CI: 1.4-1.7) in volume

39 million spermatozoa total per ejaculate (95% CI: 33-46)

4% normal forms (95% CI: 3-4) in morphology, determined by the "strict" Tygerberg technique

Progressive motion: 32% (95% CI: 31-34)

40% (95% CI: 38-42) (progressive + nonprogressive motility combined).

Prevention

Now that you know about the reason for the rise in Infertility, it’s time to learn how you can prevent infertility from decreasing this rise.

• Avoid using illegal drugs.
• Avoid having a vasectomy.
• Avoid smoking.
• keep a healthy weight.
• Limit or avoid drinking alcohol.
• Be less stressed.
• Avoid being exposed to pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals.
• Avoid activities that cause the testicles to become very hot.

Sometimes, it is possible that even after taking multiple precautions and preventive measures, you might end up having infertility. It is highly advised that if you’re suffering from infertility, you should see an expert gynecologist at Femmenest. Infertility is treatable if diagnosed and treated properly by experts. Get in touch with the team of expert fertility doctors at Femmenest today.