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Male Infertility is More Common Than You Think
Conventionally speaking, when a couple struggles to conceive, many assume the problem lies with the woman.
- With about 60% of infertility cases being attributed to male factors, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
According to Dr Michael Wong, “Based on international studies, female factors account for 55% of infertility cases while male factors account for 45% of cases. Both female and male factors are present in 25% of cases. Thus, in general, male factors contribute to about 60% of all infertile couples.”
People also generally assume that only women have a ticking biological clock—but men’s biological clocks tick, too.
- Women’s fertility may decline at a faster rate than men, but men’s fertility face a gradual and certain decline as well.
According to Dr Michael Wong, “As more people delay marriage or get married again, it means that these men are older and sperm quality is poorer.”
At our clinic, we perform comprehensive tests and assessments of your medical history and lifestyle in order to identify the root cause of male infertility.
The Ideal Conditions for Sperm
In order to successfully get your partner pregnant, the following conditions for sperm must be met; and any disruption to either condition can render you with sub-optimal fertility.
- Sperm count in semen should be sufficient
- Sperm should be healthy with no defects
- Sperm should be sufficiently motile and able to move properly
- Sperm have to be able to be transported into semen
Our clinic provides detailed semen analysis under a microscope to identify which
conditions are not met, which goes a long way in identifying the right treatment.
What Could Affect These Ideal Sperm Conditions?
1. Low Testosterone Level
- Testosterone is the male hormone that is required not only for normal sperm production, but also a healthy sexual drive and the ability to maintain erections as well—all of which affect male fertility.
- Testosterone levels in men decline at a rate of 1% each year after the age of 30, and speeds up over time.
2. Infections
- With sexually transmitted infections on the rise in Singapore (and most of them affecting young adults in their prime reproductive years), these can result in damage to the testes and the tubes that deliver sperm.
- Mumps is another infection that can result in infertility. Highly contagious, one of its side effects is the inflammation of the testicles, which can affect sperm production.
3. Varicocele
- This is a condition where the varicose veins found in the scrotum become swollen, which can result in lower quality of sperm. This can be treated.
4. Defects that Block Sperm Passage
- There are many different tubes involved in the transporting of sperm and semen. Any obstruction caused by infection, injury, surgery or disease can hinder this process.
5. Certain Medications
- Chemotherapy for cancer, steroids, testosterone replacement treatments, among other drugs, can affect normal sperm production.
6. Environmental Factors
- Sperm count can be affected if the man is constantly exposed to pollutants such as industrial chemicals, heavy metals and radiation.
- Sperm production thrives in lower temperatures, so overheating the testicles through prolonged sitting, constant wearing of tight-fitting clothes or prolonged working with a heated laptop on the lap can affect that process.
7. Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking, alcohol use and drug use are generally unhealthy and it is no different to the impact on sperm production and quality, too.
- Obesity, constant stress and insufficient rest also cause the body to interfere with hormones necessary for optimal sperm production.
8. Problems with Sexual Intercourse
- This includes erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, premature ejaculation, pain during sexual intercourse, among others.
- Men with a spinal cord injury, for example, may not be able to ejaculate, even if they still produce sperm. In such cases, assisted reproduction may be a viable option.
9. Past Surgeries
- Past surgeries such as a vasectomy and scrotal or testicular surgery, can impair sperm production. In such cases, sperm may still be retrieved directly from the testicles, or in cases of a vasectomy, it can be surgically reversed.
Dr Michael Wong
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh),
M Med (Surgery), MBBS (Singapore)
With over 30 years of experience, Dr Michael Wong is a reputable urologist of international standing who is particularly passionate about treating male infertility.
Dr Wong is the current Associate Editor at the prestigious British Journal of Urology International and former Director at Singapore General Hospital’s Urology Centre as well as former President of the Singapore Urological Association.
Award 2018
by:
The International Urology, Fertility & Gynaecology Centre is an
established clinic providing specialised care in male infertility,
from a detailed diagnosis to effective treatment.
We care deeply about our patients and love to watch their families grow.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
