Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia

APPENDICESINFECTIONSWhat types of infection causefertility problems?Orchitis (infection in the testes) can damage thesperm-producing tubes (seminiferous tubules)and stop sperm production. Although theinfection is often only temporary, severe damagecan leave men permanently infertile. Mumps isthe most common infection of the testes but isless likely to happen since the introduction ofimmunisation programs for children. Infectionsin the reproductive tract caused by sexuallytransmitted infections, particularly untreatedgonorrhoea and chlamydia, may cause blockages inthe tail of the epididymis or other parts of the malegenital tract. Non-specific epididymo-orchitis orprostate infections may sometimes cause blockagesalong the reproductive tract.How does mumps cause infertility?Mumps that spreads to the testes is called mumpsorchitis. This can cause major swelling and painin the testes. It can also totally destroy the spermproducingtubes (seminiferous tubules) andpermanently stop sperm production. Mild cases ofmumps orchitis may only stop sperm productionfor six to twelve months.Mumps vaccine is available and boys should beimmunised in infancy to avoid infection andpossible infertility in adult life.MALE INFERTILITY 72