[dropcap]S[/dropcap]perm abnormalities are the result of gonadal dysfunction (testicles) characterized by inability to either produce sperm or to produce viable sperm or mobile sperm which results in prohibiting fertilization of the female ovum.
Q: How are sperm normally produced?
A: There are two testicles, or testes, that are oblong, egg shapes about 2 inches long and an inch wide and enclosed in a protective sac called the scrotum which hangs outside the body. The testes have these functions:
Produce and store millions of sperm cells called spermatozoa.
Produce hormones, including testosterone which stimulate the production of sperm.
What Are Sperm Abnormalities In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ypogonadism in males is a distressing reproductive disorder characterized by inadequate production of male andogen hormones and/or spermatozoa by the testes.
Q: How do andogens affect reproductive health?
A: Male androgen hormones control the development and maintenance of male sex organs and masculine secondary sex characteristics and are required for health, especially bone health.
Testosterone is the major andogen hormone. While most of this steroid is produced by the testes, some is also produced by the adrenal glands. In hypogonadism, the testosterone level in blood is 300 ng/dl or below.
Hypogonadism in men 45 years or older is significantly higher in men with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, obesity, prostate disease, and asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.1
Interestingly, a 2014 study by Shortridge et al. on experiences and treatment of men with hypogonadism seeking care found that some symptoms continued despite treatment, and therapy was discontinued at a high rate, which men generally attributed to cost and perceptions of efficacy.2 Compare this to the reversal seen in celiac men on gluten free diet.
Who is Affected in the General Population? Prevalence rate of hypogonadism was 38.7% in a study of 2162 primary care patients; 836 were hypogonadal, with 80 receiving testosterone.1
What Is Unexplained Adult Male Hypogonadism In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
Sources:
Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Jul;60(7):762-9. [↩] [↩]
Shortridge EF, Polzer P, Donga P, Blanchette CM, Fang Y, Burudpakdee C, Carswell B. Experiences and treatment patterns of hypogonadal men in a U.S. health system. Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Mar 28. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12418. [↩]
Inability to either produce sperm or to produce viable sperm or mobile sperm resulting in prohibiting fertilization of the female ovum. Malnutrition is a major cause. Click for full description.
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What Are Sperm Abnormalities?