Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs include infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia for which a person may or may not have any symptoms. STIs can damage sperm transport systems, leading to situations where there is no sperm in semen. In this case, the person may require physical harvest of sperm from the testes through a surgical procedure, for the sperm to be used in intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilisation treatment.
STIs can be prevented through the correct use of condoms. If you suspect a STI, you and your sexual partner must be tested and treated promptly.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle behaviours can have detrimental effects on the ability to reproduce. Those who are inactive and overweight may have poor sperm quality. Eating healthy food, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve reproductive health. Avoid toxins like smoking and other drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption. Adjusting to a healthier lifestyle is sometimes all that is needed to improve sperm quality.
Rare causes of male infertility
These include specific testicular diseases, hormonal problems, genetic causes, other medical conditions, and even complex genetic syndromes. These tend to be rare causes, and require a variety of sometimes specialised tests, to be diagnosed.
Some of the causes may be treatable, while others are unfortunately untreatable, leading to the need for a sperm donor to fertilise the egg.
What to do if male infertility is suspected
You need to consult a fertility specialist. Initial assessment will include a sperm test. Additional testing will be advised based on the results of the sperm test. You will then get advice on your specific results.
Modern fertility treatment means most men with infertility can be helped to father their own biological children.
