FirstMed Consulting Blog

Conception results from the fertilization of the ovum by the spermatozoon or sperm. After ejaculation the sperms move towards the fallopian tubes and fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes. The usual life of a sperm is estimated to be about 24 hours; while the ovum is estimated at 12 hours. So a coitus to be capable of fertilization, must take place within twelve hours of ovulation. That certainly explains why some married couples fail to conceive, though they are potentially fertile. The sexual activity should be able to coincide with the short time after ovulation, when the ovum is alive, so that chances of fertilization are there. And even then there are numerous factors like sperm mobility, viability of sperms, etc. before fertilization can eventually occur.

When does ovulation occur?
It has been concluded after considerable research that ovulation commonly occurs fourteen days before the onset of the next menstrual period. For example, ovulation will occur on the 14th or 15th day in a 28 days cycle, and on the 10th day in a 24 days cycle.

Is it always the female’s fault if conception is not occurring?
This is a misconception because conception depends upon the fertility of both. Any fault in either partner can lead to infertility. Studies have shown that 40% of infertility is due to the male partner.

What are the main causes of male infertility?
The commonest reason is a low sperm count, which can be attributed to various causes;
• Idiopathic, when we don’t know the exact cause.
• Varicose – It is a swollen varicose vein in the scrotum, most commonly on the left side. Blood accumulated in the swollen testicular veins leads to increased temperature in the testis and damages sperm production.
• Duct blockage – Infection like gonorrhea, TB, filariasis; on surgery for hernia/hydrocele may lead to blockage of the passage between the testes and the penis.
• Hormonal imbalance – Hormonal imbalance due to pituitary or adrenal gland can lead to infertility.
• Substance Abuse – Excessive intake of alcohol and/or drugs leads to decrease in liver function and increase in levels of the hormone Estrogen which in turn suppresses sperm production.
• Testicular factors – like twisting of testis leading to compromised blood supply.
People who work with harmful chemicals like lead, nickel, mercury, anesthetic gases, insecticides & pesticides and x-rays, are at increased risk of suffering from decreased sperm count.

Certain men have problems with ejaculation like problem having an erection (impotence) or inadequate erection for vaginal penetration.

Problems with erection can be due to psychological factors like performance anxiety, inhibitions against sex and due to physical factors like neurological defects, diabetes, inadequate blood flow to the penis, and also to certain hormonal problems.

A successful alternative that has come up is collections of sperms by masturbation which later can be used for artificial insemination.

Another problem with ejaculation that some men face is that the semen goes backwards into the urinary bladder instead of being ejaculated through the penis. This can occur in men who have had spinal injury or the ones suffering from diabetes, causing improper contraction of urinary bladder sphincter muscle.

Infections – another common reason for male infertility are infections like tuberculosis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Mumps can lead to complications like testicular inflammation. Infections can damage the male reproductive tract leading to duct obstruction in some cases and decreased sperm production in others.