Nearly 1 in 7 couples have difficulty in conceiving after trying for over one year. In 1 out of 3, the problem is with the male, and it can increase with age.
The quantiy and quality of a man's sperm are the determining factor on male infertility. Low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm can affect male fertility.
Men ejaculate and produce semen, which is a combination of sperm suspended in a viscous whitish fluid produced by the seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral Cowper's gland. Any disruption in the quallity of this fluid, can impact the survival and transport of the sperm, and adds to the multitude of known and unknown causes of male infertility
Some of the known causes of male infertility include inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle (varicocele), or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm.
Signs and symptoms may include:
Add to that, scientific studies have shown that since 1973, there has been a 50-60% drop in sperm count in developed nations. There are known reasons, and though people want to associate certain activities with this decrease, there is no cause and effect to a proven cause.
Indeed, often no cause can be found to account for the decrease and absence of sperm count.
Treatment options:
One of the most common genetic cause of male Infertility is Klinefleter's Syndrome. It is a congenital condition, and not hereditary. It is said to occur in 1 out of 650 male births.
Common Presenting Signs can include:
Laboratory findings include:
Management includes:
47,XXY Syndrome