Infertility In Men
February 9, 2010
There is a thin difference between infertility and intercourse related problems (e.g. erectile dysfunction). Infertility deals with sperm related problems which do not allow the couple to conceive despite of regular sexual intercourse for over one year.
Sperm Problems
Even though the testicles produce huge quantities of sperms yet there are many factors that may hinder natural conceiving. Life span of sperms is 90 days or until released during orgasm.
Biologically, sperms are not just units of fertilizing the egg but are little energized cells which need to have a forward drive in order to reach the insides of the vagina.
Testosterone is needed for production of healthy sperms. Low levels of this hormone significantly reduce production of sperms. Excess intake of alcohol, medications taken for treatment of kidney and liver diseases interfere with traveling of sperms.
In case of a serious medical ailment the production and transportation of the sperm is greatly disturbed. Antisperm antibodies may be produced by the man or his partner.
High temperature disturbs the growth, health and forward drive of the sperms. This can occur because of wearing tight clothes or drinking very less amount of water. Water helps in maintaining temperature of the body. Wear lose clothes to allow circulation of blood inside the tissue.
Occurrence of varicocele makes the temperature of epididymis to rise and hence disturbs the maturing of the sperms. Varicocele presents the varicose veins that occur behind the testicles. All these factors may contribute in production of abnormal sperms.
Symptoms
Men share 30-40 percent of the responsibility with women when couples are unable to conceive. Self examination of testicles and the penis may help in telling about anything abnormal with the system.
Sperm count test is done. Normally, there are about 5 million sperms produced from which 60 per cent are potent enough to cause fertilization.
More specialized tests include testing of sperm antibodies and post-coital test. Post-coital test is a little tricky. It is done right after the intercourse in order to examine the mobility of the sperms inside the vagina.
Treatment
Treatments involve removal of varicocele and improve levels of testosterone inside the body. Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited. A diet rich in zinc, selenium, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids is helpful.
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