Up to 15 percent of couples are infertile. This means they aren’t able to conceive a child, even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In over a third of these couples, male infertility plays a role.
Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.Not being able to conceive a child can be stressful and frustrating, but a number of male infertility treatments are available.

Symptoms

The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, a hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms.
Although most men with male infertility do not notice symptoms other than the inability to conceive a child, signs and symptoms associated with male infertility include:

1) Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
2) Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
3) Recurrent respiratory infections
4) Inability to smell
5) Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
6) Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal
abnormality
7) A lower than normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter
of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)

Prevention

Many types of male infertility aren’t preventable. However, you can avoid some known causes of male infertility. For example:
1) Don’t smoke.
2) Limit or abstain from alcohol.
3) Steer clear of illicit drugs.
4) Keep the weight off.
5) Don’t get a vasectomy.
6) Avoid things that lead to prolonged heat for the testicles.
7) Reduce stress.
8) Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence.
Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.
Not all male sexual problems are caused by ED. Other types of male sexual dysfunction include:
1) premature ejaculation
2) delayed or absent ejaculation
3) lack of interest in sex

causes ED

There are many possible causes for ED, and they can include both emotional and physical disorders. Some common causes are:
1) cardiovascular disease
2) diabetes
3) hypertension
4) hyperlipidemia
5) damage from cancer or surgery
6) injuries