There may be several underlying causes of conception problems, including male infertility. Find out all you need to know.
When couples struggle to conceive, male infertility may be the reason. Infertility is clinically defined as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, and male infertility is quite frequent.
Some people are afraid to seek solutions due to stigmas associated with health care, particularly in a sensitive area such as fertility. We talked with specialists to uncover all you need to know about male infertility, including risk factors and how to deal if it affects you or your spouse.
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility is clinically defined as a person’s inability to impregnate a sexual partner with a female reproductive system.
According to Barrett Cowan, MD, CCRM Fertility Network reproductive urologist and co-founder of Posterity Health, male infertility is characterized by decreasing sperm counts and/or sperm quality. “In 10% of the cases we see, males with infertility are diagnosed with another underlying health condition,” he said.
A definitive diagnosis of male infertility is required before pursuing further treatment options. Justin Dubin, MD, urologist, cohost of the Man-Up Podcast, and Men’s Health Specialist at Memorial Healthcare System, emphasizes that if infertility is suspected, it is critical to visit a urologist or other health care professional for confirmation and next measures.
How Common is Male Infertility?
Male infertility has been linked to around 50% of couples who are unable to conceive, according to research. The problem is far more widespread than previously assumed, with 15% of couples experiencing difficulty conceiving on their own. The incidence of male infertility encourages individuals to seek urological treatment and fertility counseling alongside their spouses.
“There’s been a tendency to focus on female partners in infertility, but men can be infertile as well.”
Furthermore, research indicates that up to 12% of all persons with male reproductive systems may have infertility. “Male infertility is a…health issue, and it’s time to break the stigma.
However, studies reveal that males are less likely to get evaluated for infertility and to discuss the matter with their physicians. As a result, if you’re experiencing problems conceiving, you should see a health care practitioner for further information and solutions.
What Are The Risk Factors For Male Infertility?
There are several reasons and hazards of male infertility, some of which are beyond a person’s control and others not. “Infertility may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including smoking, vaping, obesity, diabetes, and cancer therapies. Surprisingly, many lubricants may destroy sperm.”
However, there are certain reasons of infertility that are not lifestyle-related. Genetics may play a role, as can illnesses like cystic fibrosis, testosterone use, and structural abnormalities like varicocele or obstructive azoospermia.
“Approximately 10% of guys with infertility will have an anatomical problem, such as a varicocele or blockage that limits normal sperm flow.
He also advises patients to bring a list of drugs before their first urology appointment. “Many medications can impact sperm production as well.”
How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?
Infertility may be diagnosed by a urologist in an office setting or by ordering a send-away test kit. It is crucial to remember that kits cannot give as accurate and complete an assessment as clinical testing, thus it is recommended that you obtain another opinion from a health care expert.
Of fact, everyone’s infertility appears differently, thus the path to diagnosis might vary as well. However, the method usually consists of four steps: collecting a thorough medical history, a physical exam to check there are no evident anatomical abnormalities such as a detached vas deferens or varicocele, bloodwork with a hormone panel, and a sperm analysis.8
Semen analysis is essential for determining sperm characteristics such as count, motility, and morphology.
How Is Male Infertility Treated?
Fortunately, for individuals suffering from male infertility, there are several therapy alternatives. If infertility is caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking or vaping, doctors may recommend a health care plan to help patients stop these harmful activities. Health care experts may also propose drugs, hormone therapy, or surgical procedures including sperm extractions or varicocele repairs.
For the approximately 1% of the male population who are diagnosed with azoospermia, or the absence of sperm in the ejaculate, providers may do a sperm study to determine if there is any sperm in the testes or whether there is a total lack of sperm overall.
Depending on sperm viability, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a possible choice for people seeking to conceive. “Even if a couple is undergoing IVF, it is beneficial for the male to be examined in order to maximize sperm quality and ensure that both couples are getting the treatment they need to have the highest chance of success.
Tips for Dealing With Male Infertility
Although being diagnosed with male infertility might be intimidating, there are several solutions and resources available.
“Remember, you’re not alone. Male fertility is not a matter of manhood or masculinity; it is a medical problem. The good news is that most male infertility patients will achieve considerable improvement with therapy.”
The main line is that if you believe your fertility is interfering with your ability to have a child, talk to your spouse, see your doctor, and consider seeing a urologist.
“Take these steps together and work to make the fertility journey a unifying one, even when it’s difficult,”