Steroids
Steroids, which are used to treat conditions such as arthritis and asthma, can lead to an increased steroid level in the blood, which can reduce the ability of the body to make sperm. This is usually reversible on reducing or stopping the steroid. Some medical store in Canada conditions such as Cushing’s disease can result in the body making too much steroid.
Anabolic steroids are sometimes taken illegally by athletes and body-builders in the form of supplements. These are highly dangerous for long-term health.
Not only will they affect fertility but they can also, amongst other things, cause heart attacks and liver cancer.
Other medications that can sometimes affect fertility include anti-cancer drugs like chemotherapy, some antifungal drugs, cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers), spironolactone (used to treat heart failure) and medications to treat high blood pressure.
Recreational Drugs
Many illegal drugs affect fertility levels in many different ways. These include the usual suspects of cigarettes and alcohol, as well as marijuana and others. This can be a reversible process, which is yet another good reason to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Chronic medical conditions can be associated with infertility. These include diabetes, haemochromatosis, kidney disease, liver disease, high fevers, infections, cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anaemia.
Trauma
Testicular injury can impair the ability of the testes to work properly. Examples would include trauma to the scrotal area and testicular torsion.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors, including smoking cigarettes, poor diet, excess alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise, can affect fertility levels. Wearing tight trousers or underpants can increase the temperature of the testes and result in reduced fertility. Environmental toxins or pollutants can also potentially be a factor in male infertility.
Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone plays an important part in sperm development and a lack of testosterone in the system can lead to a low sperm count. Disorders of the pituitary gland in the brain can also cause testosterone deficiency. These disorders include an over- or under-active thyroid, haemochromatosis and Cushing’s disease, as well as tumours of the pituitary gland.
Genetic or Chromosomal Defects
Some genetic or chromosomal defects can affect the development of the genitals. While most men have one X (female) and one Y (male) chromosome, certain disorders add an extra chromosome to our genetic make-up, with many different consequences.