Risk factors linked to male infertility include:

• Smoking tobacco

• Using alcohol

• Using certain illicit drugs

• Being overweight

• Having certain past or present infections

• Being exposed to toxins

• Overheating the testicles

• Having experienced trauma to the testicles

• Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery

• Having a history of undescended testicles

• Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder

• Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease

• Taking certain medications or undergoing medical treatments, such as surgery or radiation used for treating cancer

Complications

Complications of male infertility can include:

• Stress and relationship difficulties related to the inability to have a child

• Expensive and involved reproductive techniques

• Increased risk of testicular cancer, melanoma, colon cancer and prostate cancer

Prevention

Male infertility isn’t always preventable. However, you can try to avoid some known causes of male infertility. For example:

• Don’t smoke.

• Limit or abstain from alcohol.

• Steer clear of illicit drugs.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Don’t get a vasectomy.

• Avoid things that lead to prolonged heat for the testicles.

• Reduce stress.

• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.