Male infertility and how to cope

Although it is common for women to seek fertility advice, men seem more reluctant to reach out to their doctor. Perhaps it is this male reluctance that feeds the social stigma that infertility is generally a women’s problem, rather than a man’s. There are numerous factors that can contribute to male infertility. Everything from health issues to physical problems, and even psychological issues, can have its effects.

One of the most common conditions of infertile men is erectile dysfunction, or ED, a condition, generally called impotence, that affects more than 20 million American men. According to research, approximately 40% of infertile couples are unable to conceive due to the man’s inability to produce vital sperm.

To know if your partner is infertile he should make an appointment with his urologist for a complete evaluation. This male infertility evaluation may include a complete medical, physical exam, general lifestyle questions, or questions about his reproductive history. A semen sample will also be taken and analyzed. The sperm sample will be checked for movement, shape, and count. It is important to note that normal sperm and semen is found in about 15% of infertile men.

Other tests such as a hormone evaluation, physical exam, and also genetic tests can be performed to learn the root of the problem. In some cases, men are unable to produce any sperm or semen at all. This condition, which is known as azoospermia, is often caused by a blockage that can be corrected with surgery.

There are a wide variety of factors that can contribute to a man’s infertility. The most common problem is testicular damage which is an irreversible problem that results in the testicle’s inability to produce sperm.

Lifestyle choices can also lead to poor sperm quality and low sperm production, which will contribute to male infertility. Men who smoke, abuse alcohol or drugs, or use anabolic steroids, will often experience reproduction problems. Even an overabundance of constant exercise can affect a man’s fertility since exercise can create testosterone deficiency due to high levels of adrenal steroid hormones.

A man’s fertility is related to his overall health, so other issues such as inadequate vitamin intake, anemia, environmental toxins, malnutrition, excessive stress, and tight underwear can all play their part in his infertility.

It is important for a man to modify the behavior that may be causing his infertility. A visit to his doctor is the best way to discover what these modifications may be. While some physical problems may be corrected with surgery, others may require more help. Problems such as erectile dysfunction are often from a combination of psychological issues and poor health, and will require specialized treatment. Other causes of men infertility such as premature ejaculation and ejaculatory incompetence can sometimes be corrected through behavioral therapy. Otherwise, artificial insemination can be used as an alternate means to achieve conception.