Infertility is a condition when conception does not take place even after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect either the male or female. It can be due to a variety of factors including endocrine disorders, defects in the reproductive systems, deficient production of sperms or eggs, drugs and toxic chemicals, childhood diseases such as mumps, etc. There has been a recent increase in the number of infertility cases reported throughout the world. An estimated 10-15% of the married couple initially has the problem and need evaluation. Approximately 40% of them relate to male, 40% to female and 20% to both.

Cause and Pathogenesis

Infertility is caused due to a multitude of factors both in the male and the female. In the male, a low sperm count or defective spermatozoa is a major factor. Another common factor that contributes to male infertility is the presence of a varicocele, which is a cluster of enlarged veins around the testicle. Varicocele elevates temperature in this part of the body by increasing blood circulation and the higher temperature reduces sperm production. Defects in the male reproductive tract can also be responsible for infertility. Childhood disorders such as mumps may result in permanent damage of the reproductive organs, leading to infertility. The use of certain drugs and toxic chemicals can contribute to infertility.