When a couple consults for infertility problems, a male cause is found in 20 to 30% of cases. What are the main causes? We collected different reasons for male infertility with this topic.

Sperm anomaly

Infertility in men is primarily related to a lack of number, and/or mobility, and/or sperm morphology. To give you an idea, you should know that if there are not enough sperm in the sperm, it is called oligozoospermia. In case of absence, we talk about azoospermia. Infertility can also be linked to a lack of mobility: it is called asthenozoospermia. Teratozoospermia concerns sperm with abnormal morphology, which can affect all parts (head, flagella …) of the spermatozoa. At a high percentage of spermatozoa, we finally talk about necrozoospermia.

Where do these anomalies come from ?

Generally, the examinations make it possible to highlight mixed anomalies of the sperm. Their origin can be hormonal, infectious, genetic. It remains sometimes unexplained. Here are the main causes:

1. The varicocele : caused by dilation of a vein in the spermatic cord. Some doctors advocate the techniques of MPA (medical assistance procreation) as an alternative to surgical treatment.
2. The infections : some infections affect the quality of sperm, mainly resulting in either an abnormality of sperm production and/or obstruction of the excretory.
3. Genetic causes: The main ones are: Klinefelter syndrome, a condition caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome; cystic fibrosis, deletions (loss of a fragment) of the Y chromosome (a common cause in men with azoospermia or oligozoospermia) or chromosomal translocations, ie chromosomal rearrangement: a fragment of a chromosome breaks off and refixes in another position, on this same chromosome or on another. This problem is found in 2 to 3% of infertile men.
4. Ejaculation or erection disorders : Retrograde ejaculation is, for example, a cause of infertility. With it, the sperm is sent not to the outside but to the bladder.
5. Hormonal disorders : some hormonal disorders can cause fertility disorders. These include thyroid problems, which are often associated with decreased libido and erectile dysfunction; hyperprolactinemia, which can also cause milk flow through the nipple or breast development; and hypogonadism, that is, an alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis that affects spermatogenesis.

What to do in case of infertility ?

If you are trying to have a baby for about 1 year or more, consult your doctor. He will suggest if there is a necessity of examinations to be carried out (for each of the 2 partners), in order to know the cause of this infertility and redirect you to the appropriate solutions. Each case is unique: do not hesitate to ask all your questions. He is there to inform you, listen to you and guide you step by step to this great adventure of being parent.