How Infections Can Affect Fertility?

What Infections Can Cause Infertility in Males?

Infertility is common than you think; about 1 in 8 couples can experience infertility. Any infection or sickness that affects the reproductive system, if not treated can hamper the fertility in both men and women by damaging the reproductive parts. This article explores the answer to the question, what infections cause infertility in men. Let’s start by understanding male infertility.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility is defined as the inability of a male to reproduce despite having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. There can be several factors that affect male fertility; bacterial and viral infections are some of them.

The root cause of infertility in males is usually poor quality of the semen. Lack of sperm, abnormally shaped sperm, and sperm that are not moving properly in the semen are some of the factors that affect fertility in males. Additionally increased temperature of the scrotum is also linked to reduced semen quality.

7 Types of Infection Leading to Male Infertility

Infertility due to infection in men can be caused by the following infections:

1. Chlamydia

This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacterial infection. The symptoms include burning sensation during urination, swollen testicles, and discharges from the penis. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause infertility in men by permanently scarring and blocking the reproductive parts and hampering the sperm production.

2. Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is an STI that can cause infertility in men. The symptoms include green, yellow, or white discharge from the penis, dysuria, burning around the penis, swelling or pain in the testicles. It can lead to epididymitis and prostate gland infection which lowers the sperm production and its quality.

3. Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is a sexually transmitted condition that can cause low motility of sperm cells by latching onto these cells. There are no noticeable symptoms of Mycoplasma until unless they are diagnosed for the cause of infertility.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTI is caused by the unwanted growth of the bacteria (generally E.coli) in the urine. The symptoms of UTI include fever, chills and burning sensation while urinating. The bacteria may spread to reproductive parts such as testicles, epididymis and other sex glands causing low sperm count and reduced motility.

5. Mumps

Mumps is an airborne disease results in the swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes near or under the jawline. This viral infection causes men to suffer from women testicles that can also permanently damage sperm production. Mumps is also a common condition in India.

6. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is a common condition that can cause infertility in men. This condition affects the reproductive system and impacts the sexual desire of a person.

Men who have HIV must ensure to use protection during sexual intercourse in order to prevent the spread of the virus. HIV is a common condition in India. Thus, it is important for you to get tested for this every once in a while, especially if you have intercourse with multiple partners.

7. Orchitis

Also known as epididymitis, orchitis is characterised by the inflammation of the epididymitis, which is a long coil-like tube located at the back of the testicles. Infections like

Effects of Infections on Male Reproductive Organs

Bacterial infection in men can affect different parts of their reproductive tract. This impact can be seen in the different stages of spermatozoa development, maturation, and transport. The common effects of infections on male reproductive organs include the following:

• Reduced sperm production (spermatogenesis)
• Obstruction or blockage in the epididymitis
• Reduced sperm motility
• Pain and swelling of the testicles
• Scarring inside the reproductive tract
• Abnormalities in the shape of the sperm

Conclusion

Now that you know what infections cause infertility, you can make better decisions about building your family and engage in safe sexual intercourse.

If you think you might have an infection of your reproductive system, it is best to consult a doctor and get it checked. Infection of the reproductive system can lead to infertility if left unattended. Additionally, if you have an infection and try to conceive with your partner by engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, you risk spreading the infection.

Contact Nova IVF Fertility on 08049388781 or book an appointment online through the website, if you suspect that you might have an infection, or you are looking to treat infertility.