The Male Infertility Basic Profile (CheckUp S6) of Diagnostiki Athens includes the testing of all hormones that are responsible for the production and maturation of sperm and whose disorders can lead to infertility.
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Infertility is the inability of a sexually active couple who are not using any method of contraception to get pregnant after one year of trying. Male factor infertility contributes to approximately 40% of infertile couples.
What causes male infertility?
Many different health problems and conditions can lead to infertility. In 30-40% of cases, the problem is in the testicles, the glands that produce sperm and testosterone (the main male sex hormone). Damage to the testicles can result from infections (such as mumps), cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy, injuries, or surgery.
Heat can affect sperm production. Heat damage can occur if one or both testicles do not descend from their pre-birth position in the body into the scrotum (cryptorchidism). Many patients have enlarged veins around the testicles (varicoceles), which can also increase the temperature in the testicles. If the varicocele is very large, it can affect sperm production.
Some inherited (genetic) diseases can cause low or no sperm production or sperm that cannot move or fertilize a woman's eggs.
In 10-20% of cases, the problem is an obstruction in the path of sperm from the testicles through the vas deferens and into the urethra. This can be caused by scarring from infection, surgery, or cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease). The backward movement of sperm into the bladder, instead of out through the urethra, can also cause infertility (retrograde aesthetism).
Sometimes, infertility is due to a hormone deficiency. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) cause the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm. The pituitary gland, located in the brain, synthesizes these hormones. Any condition that reduces the levels of the hormones LH and FSH, such as pituitary tumors, can lead to low or no sperm production and low testosterone levels in the blood.
In 30-40% of men with infertility, no cause can be found. These patients usually have an abnormal sperm count (for example, sperm that move slowly, have a high percentage of abnormal shapes, or are low in concentration).
Other conditions can reduce sperm production and fertility, such as chronic diseases, poor general health, obesity, certain medications, and others.
Testosterone
Testosterone affects almost every process in a man's body. Its primary function, however, is to control sexual and reproductive health. Testosterone is released by the Leydig cells in the testicles and stimulates sperm production. Very low testosterone levels can lead to a condition called hypogonadism, which can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Too much testosterone, on the other hand, can be converted into estrogen (female hormones), which can lead to mood swings, decreased testicular size, and gynecomastia.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone, which stimulates testosterone production in the testicles, allowing them to perform their necessary functions. Too high or too low a level of luteinizing hormone can cause infertility, so it is vital to maintain a balance.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is another vital hormone. Its primary role is to interact with the Sertoli cells in the testes to stimulate sperm production. Testosterone and inhibin are hormones that regulate FSH secretion and FSH production. They are crucial in controlling the hormonal cycle involved in sperm production. High levels of FSH can be indicative of low testosterone levels. This prevents the normal production and maturation of sperm and is a sign of infertility. Similarly, low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone can cause limited sperm production.
How do hormone disruptors affect male fertility?
Hormone disruptors can be absorbed into the body and disrupt the endocrine system, affecting everything from metabolism to fertility. While completely avoiding all hormone disruptors may not be possible, knowing where they are can help reduce your body’s exposure to these substances.
Some of the most common hormone disruptors that affect fertility include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastic water bottles, food containers, and canned goods.
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an insecticide in meat, fish, and dairy products.
- Dioxins are among the most widespread chemicals known to disrupt male reproductive health. They are found in many products, including paper coffee filters, animal proteins, household cleaning, and personal care products (especially triclosan, disposable, and paper towels).
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that can be found in contaminated meat products, dairy products, and some fish.
- Phthalates are a group of chemicals that can inhibit testosterone production and Leydig cell function, which affects sperm production and sperm quality. They are often found in non-organic foods and personal care products such as lotions, colognes, shaving foams, hair dyes, and household cleaners.
- Phytoestrogens are a type of estrogen known to reduce sperm count and are found in soy, flaxseed, sesame, and oats, as well as pesticides and industrial chemicals.
- Atrazine is a herbicide found in corn, sugarcane, pineapple, and sorghum.
- Mercury is found in seafood, especially mackerel, swordfish, and large fish.
- Bisphenol S (BPS) replaces BPA, which is equally dangerous and is found in plastic water bottles and food containers.
