MyFertilityGuide

Male infertility accounts for about 30 percent to 40 percent of infertility cases according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In another 30 percent of cases, male infertility factors combined with female infertility issues prevent conception.

What Are the Causes of Male Infertility?

There are a number of issues that can cause men to have problems conceiving a child. Among them are:

• Low or no sperm count
• Erectile dysfunction
• Abnormal sperm structure that impedes its progress toward the egg
• Certain diseases, illnesses or injuries or their treatments

A number of lifestyle choices can decrease a man’s chance to procreate by reducing sperm count, ability to attain or maintain an erection or decreasing sperm motility. Factors range from excessive alcohol or drug use including cigarette smoking to exposure to environmental toxins and pesticides.

How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed?

A trip to the doctor can help a man begin the process of discovering whether or not infertility is an issue for him. As infertility tests for men are less invasive procedures than those for women, it is suggested that men undergo testing first if infertility is an issue. A semen analysis is usually the first step. The World Health Organization has set up a standard for semen analyses for laboratories worldwide and included are tests to detect the size, shape and motility of the man’s sperm. Too few, too slow or abnormal shape may all contribute to male infertility.

How is Male Infertility Treated?

Treatment for male infertility is, of course, variable based on the diagnosis. About half of men diagnosed with infertility issues have treatable conditions like:

• Varicoceles or dilated veins in the scrotum
• Duct blockages
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Infections
• Sperm abnormalities
• Erectile dysfunction

Treatments range from infertility drugs like hormones to surgery including varicocelectomy or vasal reconstruction. In these cases, men who return for a sperm analysis will see a marked improvement.

How Do You Find a Male Infertility Clinic?

Start with a referral from your general practitioner or your family doctor. Consult support groups in the area or online and ask for referrals. When you have a list of possibilities, contact each one and ask them to send you information on their services, prices, and the doctors’ experience. Look over the information when it arrives and choose the ones that suit your needs. Call for a tour or an initial appointment and be prepared with your medical history and a referral letter from your family doctor.