Trying to start a family and worried about male infertility? Admittedly, all it takes is one sperm to get pregnant. But that sperm has to perform at its best.
When the word infertility is mentioned, few people think of male infertility. But 40 percent of infertility causes are attributed to the man (called male factor). That’s why it’s important for all “fathers to be” to learn more about male fertility and get their reproductive system checked by a doctor—just to make sure all the parts are working as they should.
What affects male fertility?
Many factors can result in male infertility. Most problems can be diagnosed and treated, such as structural defects, problems with ejaculation and sperm, and immunologic conditions.
Problems that may reduce the health or number of sperm and increase the chances of male infertility include:
- age
- heavy alcohol use
- stress
- cigarette smoking
- illicit drug use
- certain medications
- environmental toxins
- genetic conditions
- chemotherapy / radiation
- other health problems
Sperm’s role in conceiving
Although it seems quite simple for a sperm to fertilize an egg, the process is quite precise. Many conditions have to be met during reproduction, including:
- Having and sustaining an erection
- Having enough sperm
- Having enough semen to get the sperm to the egg
- Having the right shape of sperm
- Having the sperm move in the proper direction
Problems that disrupt this chain of events increase the chances of male infertility.
Diagnosing male infertility
There are no visible signs of male infertility. That’s why it’s important to have an open discussion with your doctor, urologist or a fertility specialist. Tell your doctor about your medical history, including past illnesses, medications, and surgeries. Also give current information about your lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, and any drug or alcohol abuse.
Your doctor may order a semen analysis (SA). This is a single most important test for male fertility. Many times the semen analysis is normal. Hearing that, you can relax a bit, particularly if you have fathered other children.
See a fertility specialist
Probably the best route is a relatively quick referral to a fertility center. The reproductive endocrinologist (RE) receives training in both female and male infertility and may be the best professional to explain options.
How is male infertility treated?
Some types of male infertility can be medically or surgically treated. For example, varicocele surgery is common treatment for male infertility. Varicocele is a bundle of engorged, varicose veins around the testicle.
This condition causes decreased testicular function and is present in about 40 percent of those with male infertility. Varicocele may affect fertility because of the decrease in circulation in the testicular area. A surgical procedure can repair the abnormal collection of veins around the testes. Semen quality may be improved, as well.
If you are taking a medication that increases the risk of male infertility, your doctor may switch you to another medication. Also, STDs such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia can lower sperm count and mobility. Your doctor will test for STDs and provide medication, as needed.
The bottom line: Learn all you can about male infertility and take action. Get your semen evaluated. Get medical problems treated.
In addition, it’s important to avoid toxins, alcohol overuse, cigarettes, and other known hazards that may injure your sperm.
Ask a doctor about infertility symptomsSources: WomensHealth.gov: Infertility FamilyDoctor.org: Male Infertility NIH: Infertility/Fertility RESOLVE: Frequency Asked Questions about Infertility RESOLVE: Male Factor Problems RESOLVE: Varicocele Bruce DF, Thatcher, S. Making a Baby: Everything you need to know to get pregnant.
