The term male infertility sounds like an alien term to date. For reasons more than many, we as a society have still not been able to accept male infertility as a common medical condition. But it should not only be discussed and normalized but people should also be educated about it so that women are not the only people held accountable when a couple can’t get pregnant. Also affected men get the necessary treatment on time.
Dr. Rahul Reddy seconds this argument. However, he adds that while people may think that families are more aware today as compared to the olden times, things have not really changed. He reveals that people in urban areas are more accepting of this condition and do not shy away from seeking professional help, but the percentage still happens to be quite low.
Moving on, one of the main causes of male infertility is a medical condition called Azoospermia, also known as, nil sperm or no sperm condition. Dr. Reddy explains that due to this condition, the presence of sperms in the semen is almost zero.
Types of Azoospermia
The doctor goes on to say that there are two types of Azoospermia, obstructive and non-obstructive.
- Obstructive Azoospermia refers to a condition where you are producing sperms but there is a blockage or missing link in the epididymis, vas deferens, or elsewhere along your reproductive tract. This means that the sperm is not getting an outlet of exit; as a result, it is not reaching your semen.
- Non-obstructive Azoospermia is when there poor or no sperm production due to misshapen testicles or other causes. Dr. Reddy believes that in both these cases immediate professional help should be taken to prevent the condition from aggravating.
He also states that normally when any part of the body goes through an anomaly, one experiences some sort of discomfort or pain but in this case, men may not experience any discomfort during the initial phase. Therefore, he advises men to get themselves checked and treated (if necessary) before they are plan to get married.
Causes of Azoospermia
There are many circumstances, lifestyle choices, or underlying conditions that could be responsible for Azoospermia. Many-a-time, a few genetic inefficiencies could also pass on to the later generations giving rise to Azoospermia.
Some of them are:
- Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs
- Previous infections
- Previous surgeries around the pelvic area
- Vasectomy
- Formation of a cyst
- Hormonal imbalances
- Radiations treatments or chemotherapy
There are certain other reasons, mainly genetic which could not possibly be controlled. Other than that, the development of lopsided or misshapen testicles as a child can put a man at risk. Also, if you are exposed to an environment full of toxins or metal, Azoospermia, that can be a contributing factor.
Symptoms of Azoospermia
However, while there are certain causes which we may not be able to prevent or control, it is recommended that you see a doctor when you face symptoms like:
- Less amount of semen ejaculation,
- Erectile dysfunction,
- Low sex drive,
- Constant exhaustion, etc.
You can reach out to Dr. Rahul Reddy with your queries at andrologistdoctor@gmail.com
