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Understanding Male Infertility

It's on the rise but the good news is that most of its causes are treatable.

Male infertility factor is present in more than half of all infertile couples, so it makes sense for the male to be assessed in-depth before embarking on the long and difficult journey of assisted reproduction.

Today, with greater awareness, more couples are realising the need for the male partner also to be assessed when the emotional issue of infertility occurs. This makes sense, especially because more people are delaying marriage or getting married again, which means that men are older and the sperm quality poorer at the point when parenthood is being considered.

Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that: to 20% of males infected with Fax (65) 6838 1216 mumps after puberty experience this condition, which may affect sperm production.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL, DRUGS & MEDS

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse can introduce many forms of toxins into our body, which will affect sperm production.

Some medications may also affect sperm count and strength. For instance, patients under treatment for ailments such as gout, inflammatory bowel diseases and baldness can develop side effects, which can affect fertility.

Use of steroids and testosterone replacement therapy for bodybuilding can also affect sperm production. This also includes the casual use of testosterone gels and patches.

  • More males are coming to my clinic for a comprehensive assessment of their male fertility factor.
  • Detailed and quality counselling is required to better manage the male partner.
  • Published scientific data is proving that, in a carefully selected group of patients,sperm quality may benefit from microsurgery, resulting in better natural and assisted reproduction pregnancy rates.
  • Over the coming years, newer and more effective male fertility drugs will emerge to improve sperm production.

About 70% of ailments related to male infertility are treatable, and 25% of all cases can be prevented. Some of the causes include the following:

01

INFECTIONS

These include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which don’t only cause a burning sensation during urination, but can also cause infertility. Left unchecked, they can cause sperm tubes to be blocked due to inflammation and scarring.

Another infection that can cause infertility is mumps. Highly contagious, this virus is most commonly spread directly from person to person via respiratory droplets. One of the most serious side effects is orchitis, or testicular inflammation. Up to 20% of males infected with Fax (65) 6838 1216 mumps after puberty experience this condition, which may affect sperm production.

02

SMOKING, ALCOHOL, DRUGS & MEDS

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse can introduce many forms of toxins into our body, which will affect sperm production.

Some medications may also affect sperm count and strength. For instance, patients under treatment for ailments such as gout, inflammatory bowel diseases and baldness can develop side effects, which can affect fertility.

Use of steroids and testosterone replacement therapy for bodybuilding can also affect sperm production. This also includes the casual use of testosterone gels and patches.

03

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Pollution and pesticides in what we consume may also contribute to the degeneration of sperm quality. Studies have revealed that bisphenol A (BPA) — an oestrogen-like substance found in plastics used to manufacture water bottles and food containers — can affect sperm quality. Electromagnetic waves may also be a concern, although there is no concrete evidence thus far.

04

OBESITY

This affects the human body’s hormonal balance and causes a drop in libido and, subsequently, lower sperm production. Fat tissues produce oestrogen, which in excess contribute to lower sperm count.

05

VARICOCELES

These are enlarged or distended varicose veins that occur in the scrotum. They are fairly common, although the causes are not fully understood. They are linked to poor sperm quality.

06

TREATMENT APPROACHES

Infertility treatment options for these infertility-linked conditions vary from lifestyle changes and medication to microsurgery and assisted reproductive therapies.

When fertility issues arise, a urologist specialising in male fertility can provide sound guidance and the best possible solutions.

Conclusion

A cancer diagnosis is devastating to the patient and their loved ones, but the treatment of it need not be so.

Dr Michael Wong

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh),
M Med (Surgery), MBBS (S’pore)

Dr Michael Wong is a Senior Consultant Urologist who is internationally recognized for his surgical expertise and academic contribution to the field of Urology, in particular the subspecialized field of minimally invasive Endourology.

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