Male infertility should never be regarded as a failing on the part of the man in question. Just as at times a woman may prove to be infertile, so too can a man. How does low sperm count occur? Here are some of the more common contributing factors.
Age: This factor is just beginning to be understood but age does have a major effect on male infertility. Before the age of 39, male fertility is usually at about 60%; after this, fertility and sperm count are reduced to roughly 50%.
Overheating: When the testicles are constantly exposed to high heat areas such as saunas, hot tubs, worksite exposure and even high fever, it can have a temporarily damaging effect to sperm, which reduces sperm count.
Smoking: Men who smoke risk male infertility. Not only does it reduce sperm count, it also reduces sperm life-spans and motility and even causes dramatic mutations to the sperm and their genetic material.
Substance Abuse: Regular use of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine reduces the number and quality of sperm by as much as 50%. These drugs also impair the sperm’s ability to swim and penetrate the egg.
Genetics: Genetic factors may also be at work such as mutations or genetic defects in the reproductive system. Patients who have cystic fibrosis are often either missing or dealing with am obstructed vas deferens. Klinefelter syndrome sufferers carry two X and one Y chromosome; this leads to the destruction of tubules in the testicles during puberty.