There are many reasons for male infertility, mainly concentrated in genetics, sexual hormone abnormalities, varicocele, genital tract infection, cryptorchidism, bad living habits, and external pollution. Generally, male infertility has symptoms. Knowing some simple reproductive knowledge and self testing methods can help you know if your body is "warning".
Self test of varicocele
Check to see if the scrotum is equal in height when standing upright, and if there are earthworm-like venous masses visible on the scrotum wall. A varicocele can be diagnosed if a venous mass is visible and one side of the scrotum is lower than the opposite side. If there is no obvious change in the appearance of the scrotum, the venous mass can be felt along the outside of the scrotum; "Or if the patient can hold their breath (increase abdominal pressure) and feel the venous mass, it is also a varicocele, which is less severe.". If the judgment is unclear and there is suspicion, you should go to the hospital and ask a specialist for diagnosis.
Testicular atrophy or cryptorchidism
If there is testicular swelling and pain, and the testicles gradually shrink after relief, it may be testicular torsion or traumatic atrophy after orchitis. This is often accompanied by irreversible damage to spermatogenic cells. If the testicle fails to descend into the scrotum and remains in the abdominal cavity, it is called cryptorchidism. Excessive temperature in the abdominal cavity is not conducive to sperm production, and the risk of testicular malignancy is greatly increased.
Watch semen color
Observing semen can also partially reflect fertility. Normal semen is grayish white or slightly yellow. If pink or red appears, it is bloody semen. The normal semen volume is 2-6 milliliters, and if it is more than 7 milliliters, it is excessive. Not only will the sperm density become low, but it is also easy to flow out of the female vagina, resulting in a decrease in the total sperm count. "If the total amount of semen is less than 2 milliliters, it means that the amount of semen is low. If the total amount of semen is less than 1 milliliter, it means that there is too little, which can easily lead to infertility.". After ejaculation, semen generally turns into liquid within 15 to 30 minutes. If it cannot change its shape after more than 30 minutes, it is clinically called non liquefaction of semen and is also a cause of infertility.
(Intern Editor: Xie Yunsheng)