Fertility Section: Prostatitis and Infertility, Definition of Male Infertility and the Effects of Alcohol Consumption

**86. Can prostatitis cause infertility?**

First, severe prostatitis can affect male sexual function and cause significant psychological stress, leading to disharmony in sexual life and decreased libido. Second, if it is bacterial prostatitis, the semen will also be infected, resulting in decreased sperm quality and male infertility.

In men, semen is 90% prostatic fluid and 10% sperm. The prostate gland provides the environment and nutrients for sperm survival. Prostatitis not only affects sexual function but can also lead to male infertility. Especially after repeated episodes of chronic prostatitis, sperm motility can be inhibited, affecting semen quality; in severe cases, it can cause decreased sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Inflammatory changes in the prostate alter the composition and physicochemical properties of semen, leading to decreased sperm motility, increased sperm death, and semen liquefaction problems. If bacterial prostatitis occurs, the semen will contain bacteria and toxins, inhibiting sperm motility and causing sperm poisoning, agglutination, and death, thus significantly reducing the fertility of unmarried men.

Therefore, young men diagnosed with prostatitis must seek standardized treatment at a reputable hospital and should never blindly take medication or seek treatment at unqualified hospitals. Inaccurate diagnosis and untargeted treatments will not produce ideal results and may even lead to erectile dysfunction and significantly increase the risk of infertility. While prostatitis treatment is relatively difficult, it is not complicated. The key lies in the patient's ability to consistently adhere to the treatment plan. With the continuous development of modern medical equipment, there have been new breakthroughs in prostatitis treatment techniques, such as the new generation of prostate treatment and rehabilitation systems, which can quickly, efficiently, and safely treat prostate diseases, achieving satisfactory therapeutic effects.

**87. What is male infertility?**

Male infertility is not a single disease, but a complex clinical syndrome. It generally refers to infertility in couples who have lived together for more than three years without using contraception, and whose infertility is caused by male factors. In my country, 10% of married couples experience infertility, with female factors accounting for 60%, male factors for approximately 40%, and factors affecting both partners contributing in 10%. The causes of this condition are complex, and many diseases or factors can lead to male infertility. Based on semen analysis results, it can be classified as azoospermia, severe oligospermia, oligospermia, normal sperm count infertility, polyspermia, and asthenospermia, among others. The focus of treatment is identifying the specific cause and treating the underlying cause; treatment outcomes vary. For those with absolute infertility (such as azoospermia), artificial insemination with donor sperm is necessary.

Although male infertility has complex and varied causes, some cases are preventable and avoidable. In traditional Chinese thought, infertility is considered a great disservice to one's ancestors. While this view has changed considerably, infertility remains a heavy psychological burden for men.

Male infertility presents with the following clinical symptoms: ① Failure to conceive after two years of unprotected cohabitation. ② Congenital diseases caused by endocrine disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, manifesting as delayed sexual maturation, insufficient masculinization, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, micropenis, low libido, premature ejaculation, and impotence. ③ Congenital testicular abnormalities: absence of testes, cryptorchidism, and testicular hypoplasia. ④ Varicocele: scrotal swelling and pain, with palpable clusters of varicose veins within the scrotum. ⑤ Reproductive tract infections. ⑥ Sexual dysfunction.

**88. Does drinking alcohol before sex affect sperm motility?**

Men often enjoy a drink or two when they have nothing to do, which is understandable, as many men need to socialize for work, and drinking is unavoidable. However, what many people don't know is that drinking not only harms the body but also affects one's ability to "carry on the family line."

Alcohol has a direct impact on the liver and testes in men. Studies have found that chronic alcoholism can lead to testicular atrophy, resulting in decreased semen quality. Therefore, men must avoid frequent and excessive alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol affects sperm quality. Alcohol can cause chromosomal abnormalities, potentially leading to birth defects or developmental problems in the fetus. The effects of alcohol on sperm are severe, potentially causing male infertility. Alcohol is a teratogen and readily causes chromosomal aberrations. Frequent alcohol consumption in men directly impacts the reproductive system, reducing sperm count and motility, and increasing the proportion of abnormal and dead sperm, thus affecting conception and embryonic development.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lower androgen levels. Drinking too much alcohol can poison the testicles, reducing androgen levels; it can also cause abnormal liver function, decreasing the inactivation of estrogen and leading to estrogen accumulation, thus relatively weakening the effects of androgens and making it difficult for men to maintain their virility.

Long-term alcohol consumption can easily lead to chronic alcohol poisoning, causing testicular atrophy and decreased semen quality. Studies have found that it takes at least three months of recovery after a single bout of intoxication to return to pre-intoxication levels. Men planning to have children should wait at least three months after intoxication before allowing their wives to conceive to ensure the health of the fetus.

Very small amounts of alcohol do not affect sperm quality, but excessive alcohol consumption will definitely affect sperm survival.