Male Fertility

Understanding male fertility

Male fertility is dependent on producing healthy sperm. Several factors can affect the health of sperm, including

• Movement: Also known as motility, sperm must be able to move through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tube, in order to reach the egg and fertilize it.
• Structure: Also called morphology, healthy sperm have oval heads and long tails. This helps them to move properly towards the egg.
• Quantity: Also called sperm count, fertility is most likely if there are at least 15 million sperm per millimeter of ejaculate. A reduced sperm count means the egg is less likely to be fertilized.

Causes of fertility problems in males

There are many different factors and conditions that can affect fertility in men, including

• Age: The number of sperm, and their ability to move properly, decreases once men reach the age of 50.
• Erectile dysfunction: While this doesn’t directly impact fertility, it can make conception more difficult.
• Cancer treatment: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect fertility.
• Genetic disorders: Certain disorders such as myotonic dystrophy and Klinefelter syndrome can affect fertility.
• Hormone disorders: Certain hormone disorders can affect the hypothalamus or pituitary glands, the parts of the brain that tell the testicles to produce sperm and testosterone.
• Infections: Many sexually transmitted infections can impact fertility.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, including diabetes and autoimmune diseases can lead to infertility.
• Sperm abnormalities: This includes malformed sperm, low sperm count or the absence of sperm in semen.
• Trauma: Previous trauma to the testes can affect fertility.
• Varicoceles: These are swollen veins in the testicles and are a common cause of infertility.

Increasing male fertility

There are many environmental factors that can affect the health of sperm. The following are things we can control which may improve male fertility

• Keeping cool: Doctors recommend keeping the scrotal area cool, as high temperatures may affect sperm production.
• Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol can reduce testosterone levels, decrease sperm production and cause impotence.
• Reducing toxin exposure: Things such as lead and pesticides can affect sperm quality and quantity. When working with toxins, always use protective equipment and avoid contact with the skin.
• Reviewing your medications: Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some can affect fertility, including certain anti-depressants, calcium channel blockers, opioids, anti-androgens, and more.
• Quitting smoking: Tobacco use is linked to lower sperm counts.

Time to talk to a specialist?

At Mubadala Health Dubai’s Fertility clinic, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood. If you have been trying to conceive, or you are worried about how an existing condition may affect your fertility, talk to our experienced male fertility specialists in Dubai today.