Hello, and welcome to episode 175 of the Childless Not by Choice Podcast. My name is Civilla Morgan. My mission is to recognize and speak to childless women and men not by choice worldwide, reminding us that we can live joyful, relevant, and fulfilled lives, childless by choice.  

Whether you have children or not, thank you for tuning in!  

 

What is today’s show about?

Father’s Day and Men’s Health

 

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Body of episode:

• FATHER’S DAY 

• MEN’S HEALTH 

So, well before President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, I had planned on discussing men’s health for this year’s Father’s Day episode. In particular, I wanted to discuss causes of male childlessness, such as Azoospermia. 

I’ve decided to put links in the show notes in regards to Azoospermia. Please check out the links for further information. 

The basic definition of Azoospermia per The Cleveland Clinic website is:

 

‘Azoospermia means there’s no sperm in your ejaculate. Its causes include a blockage along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems or issues with testicular structure or function. Many causes are treatable. For other causes, it may be possible to retrieve live sperm to be used in assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.‘ 

 

As I think back through my episodes, I don’t believe I’ve ever discussed men’s health, or medical reasons men may be childless. 

We’ve discussed fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, miscarriage, running out of time, aka the biological clock, MRKH, etc. 

But I’ve never gone into much detail regarding issues surrounding the causes of childlessness in men. 

 

I have had the great opportunity to interview several men about their experiences with childlessness, including how they have dealt with it. I will put links in the show notes on interviews I have conducted over the years with these wonderful men. Be sure to take a listen! 

 

I also believe male childlessness is not as openly discussed as female childlessness because men and their spouses may find the issue embarrassing, shocking to their ego in a different way than a woman may feel about her childlessness, or maybe in much the same way.  In either case, there can be emotional and mental pain. 

 

Some of the things that can cause infertility in men include:

 

AI Overview

Male infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with sperm production or quality, hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, infections, and environmental factors. Additionally, lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain drug use can also contribute to infertility. 

Here's a more detailed look at some of the key causes:

1. Sperm Problems:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia): A low number of sperm in the ejaculate.

• Absent sperm (azoospermia): No sperm in the ejaculate.

• Poor sperm motility: Sperm are unable to swim properly.

• Abnormal sperm morphology: Sperm are abnormally shaped, making it difficult for them to fertilize an egg. 

2. Hormonal Imbalances: 

• Reduced testosterone: Low levels of testosterone can affect sperm production. 

• Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated levels of prolactin can interfere with sperm production. 

• Hormonal disorders affecting the pituitary gland or hypothalamus: These glands regulate hormone production. 

3. Genetic Disorders:

• Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic condition affecting males.

• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause blocked reproductive ducts.

• Myotonic dystrophy: A genetic disorder that can affect sperm production. 

4. Infections and Inflammation:

• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles. 

• Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles. 

• STIs: Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs. 

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking: Smoking can reduce sperm count and quality. 

• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm production. 

• Certain drug use: Anabolic steroids and other drugs can negatively impact sperm production. 

• Exposure to toxins or chemicals: Exposure to certain toxins, like pesticides, can affect fertility. 

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can impact sperm quality. 

6. Medical Conditions:

• Diabetes: Diabetes can affect sperm production and quality.

• Kidney failure: Kidney failure can also impact sperm production.

• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause blocked reproductive ducts.

• Autoimmune dise