Male infertility is not accepted by society

NEWS CENTER

According to the Ministry of Health data, approximately 2 million couples in Turkey are unable to have children or are having difficulty. The failure to conceive despite unprotected and regular sexual intercourse for one year is considered sufficient for the diagnosis of infertility . The rate of this condition in society varies between 10 and 15 percent. Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akif Diri said that male infertility is ignored in our society. Diri stated that simple but common habits can reduce sperm quality and said that couples facing the risk of infertility can have children with early diagnosis and treatment.

While female causes of infertility are more common, male causes of infertility are at least as common as female causes. Since infertility is equated with female fertility, male causes of infertility are more ignored in our society and people hesitate to address them. Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akif Diri stated that male infertility is more common than thought and said, “Infertility is not a condition specific to women.” Diri said that male infertility does not develop due to a single cause and that more than one factor is often effective.

CIGARETTE, PACKAGED FOODS

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Diri noted that even some simple but common habits have a negative impact on sperm quality and continued as follows:

“Cigarettes, alcohol, packaged foods, processed meats, namely changing eating habits in society, fast food, drug use, some drugs commonly used in sports centers, and even excessive consumption of shellfish can seriously reduce sperm production and mobility. In addition, excessive stress, obesity, tight underwear use, and frequent exposure to hot environments such as saunas or Turkish baths can damage the structure of sperm cells. In some cases, even if all tests are normal, the cause of infertility may not be determined. In this case, a detailed physical examination and laboratory evaluation are of great importance. Every man suspected of infertility should consult a specialist urologist without delay. Thanks to developing medical methods and early diagnosis, treatment and having children are possible in many cases.”

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY

In addition to many foods and habits, the most common causes of male infertility can be listed as follows:

>> Varicocele: Sperm production may decrease as a result of venous dilation in the testicles.

>> Undescended testicle: It is a congenital condition and can affect sperm quality.

>> Post-mumps orchitis: May cause inflammation of the testicles, disrupting sperm production.

>> Radiation and chemotherapy: Can damage reproductive cells, leading to permanent infertility.

>> Genetic disorders: Sperm production or transportation may be prevented due to genetic reasons.

>> Obstruction in sperm ducts: Congenital absence or subsequent obstruction in ducts such as the vas deferens prevents sperm exit.

>> Hormonal disorders: Hormonal deficiencies originating from the pituitary or hypothalamus can reduce sperm formation.

>> Thyroid diseases: Affect the entire hormonal system and indirectly affect sperm production.

>> Erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation: The inability to expel sperm due to it leaking back into the bladder during ejaculation also leads to infertility.