Types of Male Sterility

Functional Sterility

The inability to maintain an erection and/or ejaculate is the definition of functional sterility in males. If the male reproductive organ cannot maintain an erection and deliver sperm into the female reproductive system, pregnancy will not occur, even if there are no problems with the sperm. Many causes of functional sterility exist and include impotence (not being able to get or stay erect) and other erectile dysfunctions. Certain diseases such as diabetes, prostate and urethra cancer (and subsequent surgery) can also cause functional sterility.

Biological Sterility

Disease and cancer can cause male sterility. sperm and egg 4 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com

If the functional operation of the male reproductive system is adequate and the sperm cannot fertilize a healthy egg, male biological sterility is the cause. Damaged, weak or dead sperm is caused by a variety of reasons including genetics, exposure to radiation, cancer or a lack of testosterone. Poorly developed reproductive organs in males (hypogonadism) can be a cause for low or no sperm counts. Even with lower sperm counts, pregnancy is possible but more difficult.