What are the causes of male infertility?

Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
Updated on January 17, 2025
00:00
00:00

There are many diseases or factors that can lead to male infertility, leading to azoospermia, severe oligospermia, and oligozoospermia, as well as normospermic infertility, polyspermia, asthenospermia, etc. The main causes can be summarized in the following points: First, male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation, can all cause male infertility. Second, abnormalities in sperm structure and seminal plasma can affect sperm motility, capacity, and reaction. Third, obstruction of the vas deferens affects the transport of sperm. Fourth, infection of the reproductive tract. Fifth, endocrine disorders, including deficiencies in gonadotropins. Sixth, chromosomal abnormalities, including the common pseudohermaphroditism chromosome.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
38sec home-news-image

What is infertility?

Infertility refers to the condition where, despite a couple having regular sexual intercourse without contraception for more than a year, the woman does not become pregnant, at which point infertility is diagnosed. Infertility includes primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to those who have never been pregnant before; secondary infertility refers to individuals who have previously given birth or been pregnant but later, despite trying to conceive for over a year without contraception and having regular sexual intercourse, are unable to become pregnant.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
42sec home-news-image

How many people are infertile?

The infertility rate in our country is around 12%. According to the data released by the China Population Association and the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the infertility rate among couples of childbearing age in China has climbed from 2.5%-3% twenty years ago to about 12%-15% this year, with the number of affected individuals exceeding 50 million. Among these 50 million patients, 50% are women, 40% are men, and about 10% are cases involving both partners. With increasing environmental pollution, delayed childbearing age, and growing life pressures, the number of couples experiencing infertility continues to rise.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
51sec home-news-image

What is infertility?

If a couple has been married for a year without using contraception, are not living separately, and have not conceived, or if there has been a history of abortion and no conception has occurred within six months of unprotected sexual activity, then this is considered infertility. Infertility can be due to female factors or male factors, with male infertility also accounting for a significant proportion. Male investigations are relatively simple, non-invasive, and also less expensive, so it is generally advisable to first conduct male tests, followed by female assessments, such as endocrine function, ovulation, uterine lining, fallopian tube examinations, or various biochemical tests, etc.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
51sec home-news-image

Can Chinese medicine be taken for infertility?

In our clinical work, many patients often have this doubt: Can infertility be treated with Chinese medicine? It can be clearly stated that many diseases can achieve better results through the adjustment with Chinese medicine, and infertility is no exception. However, everyone's basic situation is different, and Chinese medicine cannot guarantee the treatment of all infertility cases. There are many diseases that cause infertility, and many reasons stem from either the male or female partner. There are both functional diseases and organic causes, making it not a simple disease. Issues with either the male or female partner can lead to infertility. It is advised to visit a local reputable public hospital for a detailed examination to determine the cause and then receive targeted treatment, whether through traditional Chinese medicine, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
59sec home-news-image

What should infertile women check for?

The examination of infertile women mainly includes the following aspects. First is the physical examination, which covers a general examination and an examination of the internal and external genitalia. Through the physical examination, it can be determined whether the female sexual characteristics are normal and whether there are any abnormalities in the development of the external genitalia. The second type of examination is auxiliary examination, the most common of which are blood tests and ultrasound exams. Blood tests can provide information on whether there is any infection, the type of blood, and the endocrine situation. They can also examine chromosomal conditions. Through ultrasound, it is possible to find out if there are any abnormalities in the uterine adnexa. Additionally, there are some special tests, including ovarian function tests, fallopian tube patency tests, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and post-coital tests, among others.