Are you aware of these common infertility problems that men have to face? What are the signs, symptoms, causes of it? 

Dealing with male infertility can be challenging. Here's how you can effortlessly handle the situation by knowing its correct symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Male infertility is a disease of the reproductive system where a man is unable to make his partner pregnant. There can be many reasons if a couple is getting unsuccessful results even after having frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for more than 12 months. To find out the main reason behind unsuccessful results of conception the couple who wishes to embrace parenthood should ideally get themselves tested. Male infertility can be one of the main reasons behind it. The sign and symptoms of male infertility are as follows:

• Inability to make your female partner pregnant

• Problems with sexual function- Erectile dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, low sex drive, difficulty with ejaculation

• Abnormal breast growth (Gynecomastia)

• Discomfort, painful lump, or swelling in the testicle area

• Recurrent respiratory infections

• Decreased facial and body hair

• Hormonal abnormality

• Inability to smell

• Lower sperm count and poor sperm quality

You must consult a doctor if your partner’s age is above 35, if you ever had undergone scrotum surgery or have a history of sexual, prostate, or testicle problems. A lot of problems can stop the cells to grow into healthy mature sperms and some of the causes can be:

• Medication- If the person is under medication to treat infections, depression, arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, digestive problems, or anxiety issues then these medications can badly impact the production, functions, and delivery of sperms.

• Sperm disorders- Sperms may not grow fully or do not travel the right way. The person can also suffer from Oligospermia (made in low quantity) or Azoospermia (not be made at all). Lifestyle choices like consumption of alcohol or smoking can cause various sperm disorders.

• Varicoceles- When the veins in the scrotum get swollen, it hampers the quality of the sperms and a person can experience sharp growing pain in his testicles. If the person is spending too much time standing or doing a strenuous physical activity then pain can vary from sharp to dull. This pain can only be relieved by lying down and taking a rest. If the situation gets worsen then the only treatment is surgery.

• Obstruction- The tubes through which sperms travel are blocked sometimes and it can be due to repeated infections, swelling, or vasectomy (surgery). Any kind of blockage will not let the sperms leave the body.

• Hormones- The pituitary glands produce some hormones that trigger the testicles to produce sperms. If there is misbalancing in the hormones then it hinders the growth of the sperms.

• Immunologic infertility- This is one of the unusual causes of male infertility. Sometimes a male body makes antibodies that pounce his (own) sperm. Antibodies are made only when a person undergoes surgery, or experiences injury or infection and it lowers fertility in males. It makes it hard for the sperm to swim and reach the egg through the fallopian tube.

• Retrograde ejaculation- Inappropriate ejaculation of the semen by entering into the bladder instead of releasing through the penis which can cause cloudy urine after orgasm. It occurs due to nerve damage caused by surgery, health problems, or medicines. Medication can help in resolving this problem to some extent.

• Tumors- Non-malignant tumors and cancer can badly impact the male reproductive organs. To treat these tumors, the doctor strongly recommends that the patient must undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or even surgery and this badly hinders the quality and quantity of sperm production.

Slight changes in eating habits, physical activities, and living a healthy lifestyle can help you get rid of male infertility. You can try to avoid male infertility by following important points:

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Avoid consumption of alcohol and discontinue smoking

• Avoid vasectomy

• Avoid getting exposed to toxins, chemicals, and other hazardous products

• Reduce mental stress

• Eat a balanced diet and practice meditation and yoga

• Stay away from illicit drugs

• Avoid extended exposure to hot areas

• Avoid sitting for long periods while wearing tight clothes and working on a laptop