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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Infertility due to Male Factors - Male Infertility

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. Male infertility means the male is unable to impregnate the female because of male factors.

What is going on in the body?

The inability to get pregnant may be caused by conditions in either partner. It is estimated that 30% of infertility is caused by male factors. An additional 30% is caused by female factors. The remaining 40% is caused by a combination of female and male factors. Male infertility may be caused by many diseases, conditions, and other factors. Situations that raise the temperature in the testicles can interfere with normal sperm production.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many male factors that can make a couple unable to become pregnant. These may include conditions such as the following:

diabetic neuropathy, in which nerve damage causes problems with erection or ejaculation

extreme obesity

hormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism

hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes fail to develop normally

inherited conditions that impair the ability to produce sperm, such as Down syndrome

testicular torsion, a condition in which the blood supply to the testicle is cut off

undescended testicles, a condition in which the testes fail to drop into the scrotum

varicocele, a group of enlarged veins inside the scrotum

Diseases also can be a factor in infertility, for example:

autoimmune disorders, which can cause the body to produce antibodies that attack sperm

liver disease

sickle cell anemia

kidney disease

genital infections such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea and genital herpes

infections of the reproductive organs, such as prostatitis and epididymitis

infectious diseases, including mumps

Additional factors in infertility include the following:

certain medications, such as cimetidine and phenytoin

certain supplements, such as anabolic steroids

chemotherapy used for cancer

diet low in folic acid or low in lycopene, which is found in plants such as tomatoes

excessive exercise, which lowers testosterone levels and decreases sperm production

exposure to diethylstilbestrol, also known as DES, as an infant in utero

exposure to toxins such as lead, mercury, or pesticides

frequent hot baths or use of hot tubs

injury to the testicles

low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and poor movement of sperm

radiation therapy

recreational drugs, such as alcohol, methadone, and marijuana

sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation

side effects of treatments for testicular cancer or prostate cancer

surgery of the reproductive system, such as transurethral resection of the prostate

vasectomy, a surgical procedure to tie off the sperm-carrying tubes

wearing tight-fitting pants and underwear

work that requires prolonged sitting, which increases the temperature in the scrotum

A recent study has found that baby boys who wear diapers lined with plastic have significantly higher temperatures inside the testicles. The researchers suggest that disposable diapers may have contributed to the increase in male infertility over the past 25 years.

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