Understanding Male Infertility and Its Causes : A Review

Abstract

Infertility is a distressing condition affecting 60-80 million couples all over the world. Infertility can be due to male factor, female factor or a combination of both of them. The male factor accounts for 40-50% of infertility and affects approximately 7% of all men. This paper covers the various etiologies attributing to male infertility, assessment of male factor and treatment options made available through years of research. The modifiable risk factors like obesity, smoking, alcohol intake and cell phone use should be looked for and addressed. Environmental factors like ionising radiations, pesticides and heavy metals should be avoided. The correctable causes should be identified. Antioxidants help in reducing oxidative stress and improving semen parameters. Surgical retrieval of sperms is an important technique in males with azoospermia and severe oligo asthenospermia.