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WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY IN MEN?

In the past, when a couple had problems conceiving, it was believed it was the woman’s fault. Today we know that almost 40% of infertility cases are cause by male infertility factor.

There are various causes of male infertility, which is usually assessed by sperm analysis (spermogram). When a spermogram is performed, indicators such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology are evaluated by a specialist. Slight deviations in the indicators are not necessarily equal to infertility. Instead, the spermogram helps determine if and how male factors contribute to infertility and points to a specific treatment for the problem.

In this article we will summarize most of the causes of infertility in men:

TESTICULAR FUNCTION DISORDERS
  1. Varicocele, a condition in which the venous vessels of the testicles dilate, leading to blood stasis and a correspondingly elevated temperature in the scrotum. Heat can affect the number or morphology of sperm. This explains why testicles need to be outside of the abdominal cavity.
  2. Injuries to the testicles can affect sperm production, leading to a reduced concentration of sperm in the semen.
  3. Harmful habits such as the use of alcohol, cigarettes or anabolic steroids lead to reduced sperm production.
  4. Treatment of oncological diseases, including the use of certain types of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical removal of the testicles. Today, oncology patients have the option of cryopreservation of their sperm.
  5. Diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, certain types of autoimmune disorders and certain types of infections can cause testicular failure.
HORMONAL DISORDERS

Infertility can be caused by disfunctions of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. These are structures in the brain that produce hormones, some of which are required for proper testicular function. The production of too much prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (usually due to the presence of a benign tumor), can significantly reduce sperm production.

Other hormonal causes may include congenital adrenal hyperplasia, exposure to too much estrogen or testosterone, Cushing’s syndrome, and chronic corticosteroid use.

GENETIC ANOMALIES

Genetic conditions such as Kleinfelter’s syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletion, myotonic dystrophy, and other, less common genetic disorders can lead to reduced to absent sperm production. Some congenital anomalies of the reproductive system, such as congenital agenesis of the vas deferens, interfere with the transport of sperm to the seminal fluid.

If you are worried that you will fall into any of these risk categories, do not delay your consultation with an urologist. They will asses your case and explain to you what your options are.

WHAT CAN MEN DO TO BOOST THEIR FERTILITY

КАК ВЪЗРАСТТА ВЛИЯЕ НА ПЛОДОВИТОСТТА?

HOW DOES AGE AFFECT FERTILITY?

The peak of fertility for women is from the end of adolescence to the end of their 20s. The modern woman has more opportunities than ever for personal development, therefore very often the birth of the first child is postponed until after some successes have been achieved (career, education, travel)

 By the age of 30, fertility begins to decline. This decline becomes more noticeable around the age of 35. By age 45, fertility has dropped so much that natural conception is unlikely for most women.

AGE AND OVARIAN RESERVE

Women are born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries, and the ovarian reserve decreases with age. In a normally ovulating woman, one or more of these eggs mature each month under the influence of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). Several hundred more begin to mature, but become atretic and “die” every month. As you grow older, the quality of the eggs decreases.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT?

The chance of a woman aged 20-30 to get pregnant within one menstrual cycle is about 25%. This statistic applies if the couple does not suffer from fertility issues. By the age of 40, about 1 in 10 women will become pregnant during within one menstrual cycle. Male fertility also decreases with age, but not as predictably.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A LATE PREGNANCY?

It’s no secret that late pregnancy is a riskier for complications. For example, pregnant women over the age of 40 have an increased risk of preeclampsia, a common and dangerous hypertensive disorder.

Older people suffer from more chronic diseases in general, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Pregnancy can exacerbate these conditions, which can have negative consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Gynecological problems such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are also more common.

The risks of miscarriage and preterm birth are higher in women over the age of 35. In addition, multiple pregnancies are more common in older women than in younger ones. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the ovaries more often release more than one egg during ovulation.

Every woman has the right to choose when to become a mother. If you are worried that your age may prevent you from becoming pregnant, talk to your obstetrician-gynecologist. They will give you the most competent advice about your case.

 

PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE

 

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