Causes of infertility
Basic Outlines
for Men.
1 / Abnormal Sperm Production / Function
Undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems like diabetes, infections like HIV and chlamydia can all cause abnormal sperm production. Varicose veins, enlarged veins in the testes, can also be a symptom of abnormal sperm production or function.
2 / Problems with the Delivery of Sperm
Premature ejaculation, cystic fibrosis, structural problems, blockage in the testicle, injury to the reproductive organs and certain genetic diseases can all lead to problems with delivery of sperm.
3 / Environmental Factors
Chemicals like pesticides, and, or radiation can all lead to ineffective sperm production. Cigarette smoking, alcohol, marijuana, steroids, certain medications, high blood pressure, and stress can also affect fertility. Sometimes, exposure to heat, can also raise body temperature and impair the production of sperm.
4 / Cancer Treatment
As cancer treatment often uses radiation, or chemotherapy can also affect sperm production
5 / Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis tends to create mucus in the vas deferens, which obstructs it. The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm to the ejaculatory duct from the epididymis. The blockage of which would lead to issues in delivery of sperm.
6 / Poor Ovarian Reserve
This is due to when the ovaries have a lower existing reserve of eggs, which reduces the chances of fertilization. This could be caused by genetics, environmental factors, exposure to chemicals and radiations, smoking etc.
7 / Genetic Factors
Genetic factors like the Klinefelter’s syndrome, where a man has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, instead of just one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, might lead to the testicles developing abnormally, low testosterone, a low sperm count, or no sperm.
8 / Hypospadias
This is a condition where the urethral opening is under the penis, instead of its tip. This can usually be corrected in infancy, but otherwise, it may make it harder for the sperm to get to the female’s cervix. Hypospadias affects 1 in ever 500 baby boys.
Do you have unanswered questions around your fertility?
Our Expert
Dr. Lakshmi Chirumamilla
Dr. Lakshmi Chirumamilla is a distinguished Infertility Specialist and Reproductive Endocrinologist with over 25 years of expertise in Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine. She holds an M.D. (OBG), FRCOG (London, UK), and DFSRH (UK). She has completed a Fellowship in Assisted Conception at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK, as well as a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at St. George’s Hospital, London, UK.
She has also completed her Fellowship in Infertility and Assisted Reproduction (IVF) at these prestigious institutions. Additionally, Dr. Lakshmi earned the prestigious ‘Special Skills Module’ certification in Assisted Reproduction and Infertility from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Fertility Society.
25+ years of experience
Internationally Trained. With experience spanning across the UK, and Hyderabad. 8000+ Couples Treated.
High Personal Success Rate
With her technique of personalising treatments per patient, to include lifestyle factors too, Dr. Lakshmi's success rate exceeds the industry standards by miles
Minimally Invasive Approach
Believes that testing, treatments and medication should only be used where necessary.
8000+ Couples Treated
With options including minimally invasive natural conception, treating male infertility, IUI, IVF, Fertility Preservation, 3rd party reproduction.
