There is a misconception that only reproductive problems in females can prevent a couple from having a baby. But, the fact is male can also have infertility.
In males, fertility is based on the quantity and quality of sperms. If the numbers of sperms produced during ejaculation are low or poor quality, it is difficult to have a baby. This is considered as male infertility.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than one year without success, it is vital for you and your partner to undergo a fertility test. Early testing can save both time and money.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Several factors can cause infertility in men. The following are the most common factors:
- Lifestyle habits: Consumption of alcohol, drugs and smoking can cause infertility in men. These substances can reduce the count of sperms and also affects their mobility. Eating an unhealthy diet and no regular exercise can also cause infertility. In a few cases, use of certain medications can also lower the sperm count.
- Health issues: If you have a history of long term illness including kidney failure or any childhood health issues such as mumps, it indicates a problem in your reproductive system.
- Sperm blockages: Sometimes, sperms can be blocked and it prevents them from passing through the reproductive system and do not leave the body during ejaculation. When sperms do not leave the body, it cannot reach the eggs and thereby, no fertilisation takes place.
- Immunologic infertility: This is a condition in men where the antibodies identify sperms as intruders and attack them.
- Hormonal imbalances: Low levels of testosterone can also cause infertility in men.
- Exposure to chemicals and radiation: Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and radiation can affect the sperm count.
Not being able to have a baby can be stressful, but there are several male infertility treatments. You do not need to worry and you just need to choose the right treatment option.
Symptoms of Male Infertility
The main symptom of male infertility is the inability to conceive. There could be some other signs and symptoms such as:
- Difficulty during ejaculation and low volumes of ejaculated fluid
- Less desire for sex
- Swelling or pain in the testicle area
- Signs of hormonal abnormalities such as decreased body or facial hair
- Repeated respiratory infections
- Smell problems
- Low sperm count than normal
How is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of male infertility starts with examining your medical history. The doctor also conducts a physical exam and semen analysis.
Physical Exam: During a physical exam, your doctor asks questions about any childhood illness, health problems or use of any medications that can affect the fertility. He also asks you about your habits such as drinking, smoking, use of drugs etc. He also tries to understand your sexual life such as problems during erections etc.
Semen Analysis: Semen analysis is performed to check the quality and quantity of the sperms. The man needs to provide a semen sample in the lab by ejaculating into a cup. Many men find it awkward to have this test, but it can identify several problems. The semen test helps to identify sperm production and also the movement of sperms.
If the results are normal in the first test, a second test may be conducted to get accurate results. The two tests are conducted to ensure that there isn’t any infertility problem. If the doctor identifies any irregular results, he conducts other tests to determine the problem.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
The treatment would be based on the cause of infertility. Few cases can be cured with lifestyle changes, medications and surgical procedure. In certain cases, the doctor would also suggest reproductive treatments such as IVF. This treatment does not treat infertility but helps your partner to conceive, though the sperm count is less.
How to Prevent Male Infertility?
Though there are a number of causes of male infertility, the following can help prevent infertility:
- Avoid smoking
- Limit the consumption of alcohol
- Avoid using steroids for bodybuilding and for sports
- Avoid using tight underwear as it causes heat stress in the testicles
- Avoid drugs
- Avoid exposure to radiation, toxins and other pesticides
- If you work at a place where you are exposed to harmful chemicals, use protective clothing and follow safety guidelines.
Visit Angels Fertility Center for Male Infertility
If you or your partner has an infertility problem, visit Angels Fertility Centre to become parents for a child. Our team is dedicated to giving evidence based fertility treatments. Every treatment plan is reviewed by the fertility doctors to have the best chances of pregnancy. To find out more, book your appointment right away.