By DR KAMAU KINYENJE
ALTHOUGH WOMEN ARE usually blamed when the problem of infertility arises between couples, in about half the cases, the man is responsible.
To make a woman pregnant, a man must be able to deliver healthy sperms that can reach, penetrate, and fertilise an egg. Such sperms must be properly shaped, capable of moving or “swimming” towards the egg, and be sufficient in number.
Certain conditions can cause male infertility by impairing sperm production, function, or delivery. Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhoea are often associated with male infertility.
These infections can cause scarring, leading to blockage of the passage through which sperms pass, or alter their motility.
Inflammation of the testicles due to mumps, a viral infection that usually affects children, can impair sperm production, as can undescended testes, which means these organs remain at a higher temperature than the ideal for them to function properly.
Infertility can be caused by swollen blood vessels in the scrotum, which prevent normal cooling of the testicles, leading to reduced sperm count and motility. Inherited disorders of the testes and poor production of male reproductive hormones can also lead to infertility.
Other causes are difficulty in achieving erection (erectile dysfunction) and premature ejaculation, mainly due to mental problems such as anxiety, chronic alcoholism, smoking (nicotine), drugs, and medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Dependence on recreational drugs can also reduce fertility. For instance, anabolic steroids, which stimulate muscle strength and growth, can shrink the testicles and reduce sperm production.
Use of cocaine or marijuana can also temporarily reduce sperm quantity and quality.
Stress can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. In addition, a problem with fertility can sometimes become long-term and discouraging, leading to even more stress.
Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and folate can contribute to infertility. Being overweight can cause hormonal changes that lead to male infertility.
Another cause of male infertility is excessive exposure to environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals, which interfere with sperm production or function.
Treatment of male infertility depends on the cause. Surgery can be used to repair obstructed sperm cords, while medication can correct erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Hormone treatment can address hormonal imbalance in men.
Therapy using techniques such as relaxation training and stress management has been used to manage erectile problems resulting from anxiety.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are also helpful.
Source: Daily Nation
Comments