1. Varicocele
A varicocele is a swelling of the veins draining the testicles. It is one of the most common and treatable causes of male infertility. Though the exact reason varicoceles affect sperm is still studied, poor temperature regulation around the testicles is considered a major factor.
Treating a varicocele often improves sperm count, motility, and quality. Many patients see a marked improvement in their chances of conception, especially when undergoing IVF or ICSI.
2. Infections
Certain infections can impact sperm health, causing inflammation or long-term damage. Examples include:
- Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
- Orchitis (testicular inflammation)
- Sexually transmitted infections such as HIV or gonorrhea
These may interfere with sperm production or block sperm pathways. Even when permanent damage occurs, sperm retrieval techniques at our Marchela center allow successful use of sperm for assisted reproduction.
3. Ejaculation Disorders
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis. It may be caused by:
- Diabetes
- Spinal injuries
- Medications
- Previous surgeries involving the bladder, prostate, or urethra
Similarly, some men with neurological conditions may produce sperm normally but cannot ejaculate. In such cases, sperm is often retrieved surgically and used in ART procedures.
4. Anti-Sperm Antibodies
In some cases, the immune system mistakenly identifies sperm as harmful cells and begins attacking them. This can lead to decreased motility and difficulty fertilizing the egg.
5. Tumors
Both cancerous and noncancerous tumors may affect male fertility. They can:
- Directly interfere with reproductive tissues
- Affect glands like the pituitary that regulate reproductive hormones
- Require treatments such as radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy that may impair fertility
6. Undescended Testicles
If one or both testicles fail to descend during fetal development, the risk of infertility increases significantly later in life. Even if surgically corrected, fertility issues may still occur.
7. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances affecting the:
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid
- Adrenal glands
can lead to low testosterone and other abnormalities that interfere with sperm production.
8. Blocked Sperm Tubules
Sperm must travel through several narrow tubes before ejaculation. Any blockage in these tubules—caused by infections, surgical injury, congenital abnormalities, or genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis—can prevent sperm from appearing in the semen.
9. Chromosomal Abnormalities
Genetic conditions like:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Kallmann syndrome
- Kartagener syndrome
- Cystic fibrosis-related abnormalities
may affect testicular development, hormone levels, or sperm production.
10. Sexual Intercourse-Related Problems
These issues may contribute to infertility:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Pain during intercourse
- Structural abnormalities such as hypospadias
- Relationship issues or psychological stress
11. Celiac Disease
Men with gluten sensitivity may experience reduced fertility, which sometimes improves after adopting a gluten-free diet.
12. Medications Affecting Fertility
The following may interfere with sperm production:
- Testosterone supplements
- Long-term anabolic steroid use
- Chemotherapy medications
- Some antifungal or ulcer medications
13. Previous Surgeries
Surgeries that may affect sperm production or transport include:
- Vasectomy
- Hernia repair
- Testicular or scrotal surgeries
- Prostate surgery
- Major abdominal surgeries for rectal or testicular cancer
At Kiran Infertility Center, Marchela, specialists may perform procedures to reverse blockages or retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.