Though it’s largely seen as a women’s issue, infertility also affects males and is important to consider if you and your partner are trying to get pregnant.
Fertility is frequently seen as a women’s issue, but in reality, males contribute to an estimated 50 percent of fertility cases. Unfortunately, the stigma and lack of awareness surrounding male infertility has resulted in a lack of support — both emotional and medical — for men dealing with this issue.
Discovering that you’re infertile or contributing to your partner’s inability to conceive can be devastating. Many men feel that their masculinity is tied to their ability to father a biological child, and infertility can thus be a great blow to their sense of self-worth. If you discover that you’re infertile, it’s vital to take steps not only to address your infertility, but also your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding Why Male Infertility Occurs
Generally speaking, the causes of male infertility can be broken down into four categories. The majority — 60 to 80 percent — are caused by a problem with the testicle. The problem may be genetic, acquired, structural, or environmental. An infection or a past testicular surgery, for example, could contribute to infertility.
About 5 percent of male infertility cases can be attributed to a hormonal imbalance, and another 5 percent are due to an issue with the sperm leaving the testicle. Finally, 10 to 20 percent of male infertility cases are idiopathic, meaning that there is no identifiable cause. Varicocele, or varicose veins in the scrotum, can also contribute to male infertility, as can mumps, radiotherapy, some medications, and chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
There’s also evidence to suggest a link between obesity and infertility, as well as between inactivity and infertility. In addition, smoking can lower sperm count and increase the risk of misshapen sperm, and alcohol can reduce testosterone production. Finally, some studies suggest that excessive heat can hinder sperm production.
Treatment Options for Male Infertility
If you are worried that you are facing signs that point to infertility, the first step should be to consult with a fertility professional. They can offer you a definitive answer about your fertility and odds of conceiving, as well as walk you through actionable next steps you can take.
Your healthcare provider will likely perform a semen analysis in order to determine the number and quality of your sperm. They may also perform a blood test to check for infections or hormone imbalances, as well as check the penis, scrotum, and prostate for physical signs of abnormality.
If your doctor finds that you’re infertile, your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Certain medications can help increase sperm production, while antibiotics can help treat infection in the penis or testicles. Hormonal treatments can correct for an imbalance, while lifestyle changes may be suggested if no medical cause is identified.
If you and your partner still struggle to conceive, your healthcare provider may suggest artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). In artificial insemination, sperm is collected and then manually placed into the female’s uterus. IVF, on the other hand, involves fertilizing the egg with sperm outside of the body and then placing the fertilized egg into the woman’s uterus.
If you’re struggling with infertility, consider contacting Advanced Fertility Center of Texas to schedule an appointment. AFCT serves couples and individuals in the greater Houston area and has extensive expertise in helping patients find paths to parenthood.
