Infertility is the failure of a couple to become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. About a third of infertility problems are due to female infertility, and another third are due to male infertility.

Fertility in men requires normal functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes Therefore, a variety of conditions can lead to infertility. 30 to 40 percent of cases are due to problems in the testes. 10 to 20 percent are due to problems with the transport of sperm from the testes to the urethra. 1 to 2 percent of cases are due to conditions of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. 40 to 50 percent of cases have no identifiable cause, even after an evaluation.

The most common causes of male infertility include

• Abnormal sperm production
• Low sperm concentration
• Blockage of sperm delivery
• Testicular Varicocele
• Undescended testicle or testes
• Hormonal problems
• Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation difficulties, low libido or lack of sex drive
• Underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes or Cushings syndrome
• Genetic defects
• Tobacco smoking
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs such as anabolic steroids, generally used by athletes, reduce sperm production
• Hot baths, saunas and spas reduce sperm production

Common Male Infertility Treatments

Several different kinds of male infertility procedures are available to either improve male fertility or solve the fertility problem. Dietary and lifestyle changes such as taking more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and quitting any form of substance can improve male factor infertility related to low sperm count or sperm abnormalities. There are numerous male fertility drugs, fertility tests, and infertility treatments specifically for men.

However, there are some reproductive technologies also to aid in conception, specifically artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Artificial Insemination: It involves the placement of sperm either directly in the cervix or into the uterus (IUI). IUI is useful when the woman's cervical mucus is unreceptive, when donor sperm are required due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape, or when unexplained infertility exists in both partners.