When it comes to being a man, many fall back on the traditional definition of being able to sire children, and for those who cannot, they feel less complete in their lives. Male infertility is an issue that millions of men deal with, and there are several causes of infertility, as well as many solutions. Here’s a quick look at male infertility and how to increase semen volume in response.
What is Male Infertility?
In general, male infertility is an issue with the production and quality of semen in a male. Semen is, in essence, the delivery medium for sperm in order to impregnate a woman. Semen is made up of several different components, from the sperm itself to lubricating fluids, to the essential nutrients that keep the sperm as healthy as possible for their journey. However, when the semen is low quality, such as with lower production and low semen volume, or when it doesn’t contain sperm, it can cause infertility making it nearly impossible for a couple to conceive a child.
Dealing with male infertility can be a touchy subject for many men, and many won’t even seek out help because they feel it’ll make them feel, or be, less of a man. However, these statements are simply not true. Male infertility in many cases is not the fault of the man, it’s just the situation. Getting treatment as early as possible when you suspect you may have infertility is important. The way to give you and your partner the best chance of overcoming the issue is with professional help. You should both get checked out by a doctor for any potential reproductive issues, and you can discover how to increase semen volume from your doctor.
How Common is Male Infertility?
When it comes to male infertility, it is the minority of men that have the issue. Approximately 1 out of 20 men will experience low sperm count and low semen volume, which can make conceiving very difficult, or impossible. However, around 1 in 100 men actually produces no sperm at all, a condition that is harder to treat. However, consulting with a professional may give you some options.
Research in the area of reproductive health has shown that the odds of infertility will increase with age. Couples over the age of 30 are likely to have a harder chance of conceiving than those under 30, and those over 40 have an even more difficult chance.
What Causes Male Infertility?
There are a lot of conditions that can cause male infertility, as well as some environmental causes.
Azoospermia
Azoospermia is a condition in which a male produces no sperm at all in their semen. There are multiple causes of this, and most can actually be treated with professional help, either through supplements or surgical options. No sperm doesn’t necessarily mean it's not being produced by the testicles. Often, it's caused by a blockage along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems, or other issues with the testicular structure or function.
Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens
The vas deferens is an important part of the reproductive system. It is the tube that delivers the sperm from the testicles to the rest of the reproductive tract where it will mix with the semen and be ejaculated. Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens is caused when the body fails to properly develop the vas deferens. The testes generally still function properly. CBAVD is often caused by mutations on the CFTR gene, and in some cases, it is a sign of cystic fibrosis. Options are available through surgery or other reproductive technologies to overcome CBAVD.
Hypospadias
Hypospadias is a congenital birth defect that causes the location of the urethra to be at the underside of the penis instead of the tip. Due to the typical layout of the vagina, this can cause infertility because the semen will have much more difficulty making it into the female reproductive system. Hypospadias is most commonly repaired while males are still infants, but it can also be corrected later in life.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition that causes the ejaculate, or semen, to go the wrong direction. Instead of being ejaculated during orgasm, the semen will instead be deposited into the bladder. This will result in very little semen volume during orgasm, or none at all, which is referred to as a dry orgasm. As well, urine will be cloudy after orgasm because the semen will be in the urine. While retrograde ejaculation isn’t harmful, it will cause infertility, so if you are trying to conceive and you have dry orgasms, you should consult your doctor.
Smoking and Drinking Habits
Smoking and drinking have been around for millennia and can be harmful to the human body in excess. Tobacco has many negative effects on hormone production, which can impact the quality and quantity of sperm produced by the testes. It can also make semen toxic, causing a much lower health quality of sperm. Smoking can modify the protamines within sperm, special proteins required for proper function of sperm. These can cause lower fertility rates, and they can even increase miscarriage rates. As well, DNA can be damaged within the sperm, reducing the chance of successful conception.
Alcohol has similar effects to tobacco, but in some cases, it is even more severe. Alcohol from the bloodstream can enter the testicles and damage the shape of the sperm. If the semen from a man has alcohol within it, and if it manages to reach the egg, it can also damage the embryo, causing birth defects and miscarriages. Alcohol also damages the liver, which can increase estrogen levels and reduce sperm counts. Sperm takes three months to develop in the testes, so it is recommended that you give up alcohol for an extended period of time when trying to conceive, or limit your intake to 1 - 2 drinks a day.
Treatment Options
Reproductive technology has advanced leaps and bounds in recent years. There are many surgeries available to improve semen volume, sperm quality, and count. As well, there are male supplements available if you are asking how to increase semen volume in a more natural way.
If you are trying to start a family, nothing should be off the table in terms of speaking with your partner or your doctor about concerns. If male infertility is an issue you must deal with, then do everything you can to learn how to increase semen volume and the quality of your sperm. Professional advice is important, and there are many options available today, as well as many male supplements available from trusted sources.
| Medical Disclaimer: If you have any medical conditions, questions, or concerns, please speak with your healthcare provider directly. The articles on Zen Hanger are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice diagnosis, or treatment. |